Single ion heat engine

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Kilian Singer
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2014 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 268267341

The goal of this proposal is the experimental realization of a quantum heat engine with a single ion or an ion crystal. The proposed system is the smallest heat engine and would implement the first system which allows for the realization of a heat engine working with non-classical baths instead of thermal baths. To this goal I present a custom designed linear Paul trap, where a single ion is trapped and performs an Otto cycle. The radial state of the ion is used as the working gas analogous to the gas in a conventional heat engine. The conventional piston is realized by the axial degrees of freedom where the axial motional excitation stores the generated work, just like a conventional fly-wheel. The heat baths are realized by tailored laser radiation. Alternatively electrical noise can be used to control the state of the ion. Comparing the theoretical predictions with the experimental results our system possesses advantageous properties, as the working parameters can be tuned over a broad range and the motional degrees of freedom of the ion can be accurately determined. Of special interest are the efficiency and the gained work. We are also planning to verify our theoretical predictions concerning the increase of efficiency when employing non-conventional baths. Our investigations with the tailored model system should deepen the understanding of open quantum systems and stimulate applications such as cooling of micromechanical oscillators. A further option is to reverse the Otto cycle in order to implement a heat pump instead of a heat engine.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants