Defining a Thermodynamic Temperature Scale Using Quantum Dot Heat Engines

The ability to define a temperature scale that is independent of any particular material is important for testing quantum thermodynamic concepts at the nanoscale. Here, we present a method for constructing a thermodynamic temperature scale from the reversible operation of quantum dot heat engines. In the limit of vanishing dissipation and lifetime broadening, temperature ratios can be determined directly from measurable open-circuit voltages and combined into a self-consistent temperature scale.