Ratchets: muscles, molecules, and quantum heat pumps

Heiner Linke; Tammy E. Humphrey

doi:10.1117/12.454613

19 November 2001 Ratchets: muscles, molecules, and quantum heat pumps

Heiner Linke, Tammy E. Humphrey

Proceedings Volume 4590, BioMEMS and Smart Nanostructures; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.454613
Event: International Symposium on Microelectronics and MEMS, 2001, Adelaide, Australia

Abstract

Ratchets are systems that combine asymmetry with non-equilibrium processes to generate directed particle flow. A brief general introduction to ratchets is given, and the relevance of the ratchet model for biological motor proteins is highlighted. While biological motor proteins operate classically, ratchet systems that employ quantum effects are of interest from a fundamental point of view. A recent experimental realization of a tunnelling ratchet for electrons is reviewed. Such electron tunnelling ratchets can not only be used to generate particle currents, but also to pump heat. Using a realistic model, the heat pumping properties of the experimental electron ratchet are analysed.

Citation Download Citation

Heiner Linke and Tammy E. Humphrey "Ratchets: muscles, molecules, and quantum heat pumps", Proc. SPIE 4590, BioMEMS and Smart Nanostructures, (19 November 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.454613

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