COLOQUIOS DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE FÍSICA FCEYN – UBA

At the very foundation of the theory of thermodynamics lies the observed fact that no machine can beat the efficiency of a Carnot engine. We address the question of what is the microscopic origin of this observed macroscopic fact. This is not a only a fundamental question but also a very practical one: Understanding the operation of thermal machines at the microscopic scale can help us design efficient and powerful nano heat engines.