title: Minimal self-contained quantum refrigeration machine based on four quantum dots.
abstract: We present a theoretical study of an electronic quantum refrigerator based on four quantum dots arranged in a square configuration, in contact with as many thermal reservoirs. We show that the system implements the minimal mechanism for acting as a self-contained quantum refrigerator, by demonstrating heat extraction from the coldest reservoir and the cooling of the nearby quantum dot.
authors.affiliation: NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, I-56127 Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Venturelli
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fazio
authors.forename: Vittorio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Giovannetti