Tight coupling in thermal Brownian motors.
We study analytically a thermal Brownian motor model and calculate exactly the Onsager coefficients. We show how the reciprocity relation holds and that the determinant of the Onsager matrix vanishes. Such a condition implies that the device is built with tight coupling. This explains why Carnot's efficiency can be achieved in the limit of infinitely slow velocities. We also prove that the efficiency at maximum power has the maximum possible value, which corresponds to the Curzon-Alhborn bound. Finally, we discuss the model acting as a Brownian refrigerator.
Gomez-Marin
A
A
Facultat de Fisica, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. agomezmarin@gmail.com
Sancho
J M
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