Reversible and irreversible flows of heat and charge in a quantum thermocouple

The full non-linear electric and heat currents of a non-equilibrium quantum system consisting of two quantum dots threaded by a magnetic flux and coupled to three macroscopic electron reservoirs are analyzed in the context of its thermoelectricity. An apparent thermodynamic paradox is resolved by careful examination and distinction of the currents present in the system. Novel relationships among the linear response coefficients for three terminal systems are obtained and interpreted. Expressions for heat and particle currents in steady state in the system are derived by using the Non Equilibrium Green’s Function theory (NEGF) and are examined numerically.