Single ion heat engine with maximum efficiency at maximum power

TL;DR

This paper proposes a feasible experimental setup for a nano heat engine using a single ion in a Paul trap, analyzing its efficiency and demonstrating maximum efficiency at maximum power through analytical and simulation methods.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental scheme for a single-ion heat engine and provides analytical and simulation results on its efficiency and operational feasibility.

Findings

Quantum efficiency at maximum power is analytically determined.

Engine can operate at maximum efficiency of 30% under realistic conditions.

Monte Carlo simulations confirm the feasibility of the proposed scheme.

Abstract

We propose an experimental scheme to realize a nano heat engine with a single ion. An Otto cycle may be implemented by confining the ion in a linear Paul trap with tapered geometry and coupling it to engineered laser reservoirs. The quantum efficiency at maximum power is analytically determined in various regimes. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulations of the engine are performed that demonstrate its feasibility and its ability to operate at maximum efficiency of 30% under realistic conditions.