title: Single-ion heat engine at maximum power.
abstract: We propose an experimental scheme to realize a nanoheat 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 a maximum efficiency of 30% under realistic conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Augsburg, D-86159 Augsburg, Germany.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Abah
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rossnagel
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jacob
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Deffner
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schmidt-Kaler
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Singer
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lutz