Making the virtual real: Measurement-powered tunneling engines
Phys. Rev. B 113, 125414 – Published 9 March, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4gtz-534j
Abstract
Quantum tunneling allows electrons to be transferred between two regions separated by an energetically forbidden barrier. Performing a position measurement that finds a particle in the barrier forces the tunneling electrons to transition from having a classically forbidden energy to an energy above the barrier height. We exploit this effect to define quantum tunneling engines that can use the unconditioned detection of virtually occupied states as a resource for power generation and cooling. Leveraging energy exchange with the detector, we show that the device can operate in a hybrid regime, enabling simultaneous cooling and power generation. Furthermore, we demonstrate measurement-assisted autonomous refrigeration and checkpoint cooling driven purely by a thermal bias, without the need for an applied potential. We also find a purification by noise effect when the measurement drives the system into a stationary dark state. These results underscore the intriguing dual role of measurement as a thermodynamic resource and a dark state generator.
