Making the Virtual Real: Measurement-powered Tunneling Engines

Authors

• Rafael Sánchez, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
• Alok Nath Singh, University of Rochester
• Andrew N. Jordan, Chapman UniversityFollow
• Bibek Bhandari, Chapman University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-9-2026

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.

Comments

This article was originally published in Physical Review B, volume 113, in 2026. https://doi.org/10.1103/4gtz-534j

Recommended Citation

R. Sánchez, A. N. Singh, A. N. Jordan, B. Bhandari, Making the virtual real: Measurement-powered tunneling engines, Phys. Rev. B 113, 125414 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1103/4gtz-534j

Peer Reviewed

1

Copyright

American Physical Society