Electrical Current from Quantum Vacuum Fluctuations in Nano-engines

Abstract: We theoretically investigate a quantum dot coupled to fermionic (electronic) leads and show how zero-point quantum fluctuations stemming from bosonic environments permit the rectification of the current. The bosonic baths are either external impedances modeled as tunable transmission lines or LC resonators (single-mode cavities). Voltage fluctuations stemming from the external impedances at zero temperature are described through harmonic oscillators (photon-like excitations) then producing the quantum vacuum fluctuations. The differing sizes of the zero-point fluctuations of the quantum vacuum break the spatial symmetry of the system if the quantum dot is coupled to two reservoirs or two junctions with different bosonic environments. We consider current rectification and power production when the system is operated as a heat engine in both non-resonant and resonant sequential tunneling cases.