Efficient Quantum Measurement Engines

Cyril Elouard and Andrew N. Jordan
Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 260601 – Published 27 June 2018
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Abstract

We propose quantum engines powered entirely by a position-resolving measurement performed on a quantum particle. These engines produce work by moving the quantum particle against a force. Unlike classical information-driven engines (e.g., Maxwell’s demon), the energy is not extracted from a thermal hot source but directly from the observation process via a partial wave-function collapse of the particle. We present results for the work done and the efficiency for different values of the engine parameters. Feedback is required for optimal performance. We find that unit efficiency can be approached when one measurement outcome prepares the initial state of the next engine cycle, while the other outcomes leave the original state nearly unchanged.

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  • Received 11 January 2018
  • Revised 28 March 2018

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.260601

© 2018 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

General PhysicsQuantum Information, Science & TechnologyStatistical Physics & Thermodynamics

Authors & Affiliations

Cyril Elouard1,* and Andrew N. Jordan1,2,3

  • 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
  • 2Center for Coherence and Quantum Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
  • 3Institute for Quantum Studies, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, USA

  • *celouard@ur.rochester.edu

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Issue

Vol. 120, Iss. 26 — 29 June 2018

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