Adiabatic quantum motors

Abstract

When parameters are varied periodically, charge can be pumped through a mesoscopic conductor without applied bias. Here, we consider the inverse effect in which a transport current drives a periodic variation of an adiabatic degree of freedom. This provides a general operating principle for adiabatic quantum motors, for which we develop a comprehensive theory. We relate the work performed per cycle on the motor degree of freedom to characteristics of the underlying quantum pump and discuss the motor's efficiency. Quantum motors based on chaotic quantum dots operate solely due to quantum interference, motors based on Thouless pumps have ideal efficiency.