Non-equilibrium steady-states of memoryless quantum collision models

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Abstract
We investigate the steady state properties arising from the open system dynamics described by a memoryless (Markovian) quantum collision model, corresponding to a master equation in the ultra-strong, singular coupling limit. By carefully assessing the work cost of switching on and off the system-environment interaction, we show that only a coupling Hamiltonian in the energy-preserving form drives the system to thermal equilibrium, while any other interaction leads to non-equilibrium states supported by steady-state currents. These currents provide a neat exemplification of the housekeeping work and heat. Furthermore, we show that the achievable non-equilibrium steady states can be non-passive and may also exhibit steady state coherence.

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