Quantum engineering pushes refrigerator beyond classical efficiency limits
Phys.Org, February 5, 2014The laws of thermodynamics determine what is possible and impossible in classical systems. Lately, scientists have been working on establishing quantum analogues of these fundamental laws to determine the performance limits of quantum systems. Now in a new study, scientists have established the thermodynamic limits on quantum absorption refrigerators, and then somewhat counterintuitively show how quantum engineering techniques can push the refrigerators beyond these limits, resulting in superefficient cooling.
The findings show how quantum enhancements can allow quantum systems to exceed what is classically achievable, and marks a promising step toward the development of practical quantum cooling technologies.