Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Towards quantum thermotronic circuits: A biasing scheme for quantum thermal transistors with quantum thermal links

    Uthpala N. Ekanayake1,*, Sarath D. Gunapala2, and Malin Premaratne1,†

    • 1Advanced Computing and Simulation Laboratory (AχL), Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
    • 2Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109, USA

    • *Contact author: uthpala.ekanayake@monash.edu
    • †Contact author: malin.premaratne@monash.edu

    Phys. Rev. B 114, 125401 – Published 3 August, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/pvr5-s5z5

    Abstract

    We investigate bias-point engineering of a quantum thermal transistor using a minimal set of thermal baths. A hot bath at temperature T1 injects heat into a metallic conduction bar coupled at its far end to a qubit, while both the bar and the qubit exchange energy with an environment at temperature Te<T1. From a microscopic transport description of the bar, we derive a compact steady-state energy-balance model by identifying temperatures as node potentials and heat flows as branch currents. The resulting formulation gives closed-form expressions for the steady-state heat current and temperature drops across the bar-qubit network and determines the conditions for proper thermal biasing. We further show that conduction bars and baths can be arranged to function as tunable thermal potential dividers, known as quantum thermal links, enabling transistorlike control of the heat current delivered to the qubit terminal. Linearization about the bias point yields small-signal thermal analogs of Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws. These results provide a first step toward a circuit-based framework for the small-signal analysis and design of thermotronic devices.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation