Nonequilibrium current-induced forces caused by quantum localization: Anderson Adiabatic Quantum Motors

TL;DR

This paper explores how Anderson localization can induce nonequilibrium forces in adiabatic quantum motors, analyzing their efficiency and providing estimates for disorder strength needed for optimal performance.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to using Anderson localization to generate forces in quantum motors and derives probability distributions for their efficiency in different regimes.

Findings

Distribution functions of maximum efficiency are similar in steady-state and short-time regimes.

A simple relation to estimate minimal disorder strength for efficient nanomotors.

Expressions for nonequilibrium forces in two characteristic regimes.

Abstract

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in nanomachines. Among them, current-driven ones deserve special attention as quantum effects can play a significant role there. Examples of the latter are the so-called adiabatic quantum motors. In this work, we propose using Anderson's localization to induce nonequilibrium forces in adiabatic quantum motors. We study the nonequilibrium current-induced forces and the maximum efficiency of these nanomotors in terms of their respective probability distribution functions. Expressions for these distribution functions are obtained in two characteristic regimes: the steady-state and the short-time regimes. Even though both regimes have distinctive expressions for their efficiencies, we find that, under certain conditions, the probability distribution functions of their maximum efficiency are approximately the same. Finally, we provide a simple relation to estimate the minimal disorder strength that should ensure efficient nanomotors.