A magnetic field-free, non-reciprocal solid-state quantum device using quantum wave collapse and interference

Abstract

The quantum device includes a transmission structure, wherein the transmission structure is designed so that a quantum wave emitted by at least two objects, for example by thermal excitation, is preferentially transmitted to a sub-device of these objects based on its geometric arrangement, interference and quantum collapse, without the need for applying a magnetic field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a non-reciprocal solid-state quantum device, including a transmission structure between a first port and a second port, wherein the transmission structure utilizes at least partial collapse or decoherence of quantum waves and interference thereof to bring two or more objects into a new equilibrium state. Even without an applied magnetic field, the device can operate normally by utilizing the asymmetry of the transmission structure or ports. The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating such a quantum device, and the use of one or more of the quantum devices in a variety of different devices. Background Art

[0002] In the following description, the following documents will be cited:

[0003] 1. J. Mannhart, Journal of Superconductivity and New Magnetism, 31, 1649 (2018) = Mannhart 2018A

[0004] 2. J. Mannhart and D. Braak, Journal of Superconductivity and New Magnetism, 10.1007 / s10948-018-4844-(2018)=Mannhart 2018B

[0005] 3.J.Mannhart, P.Bredol, and D.Braak, "Physica E" 109, 198-200 (2019)

[0006] 4. Inconsistency between Thermodynamics and Probabilistic Quantum Processes

[0007] D. Braak and J. Mannhart arXiv:1811.02983 (2018)

[0008] 5. D. Braak and J. Mannhart 2018, European Patent EP 18194460

[0009] 6. J. Mannhart, European patent application "Non-reciprocal filters for matter waves"

[0010] 7. D. Braak and J. Mannhart, European Patent Application No. 18 180 759.5 “A Non-reciprocal Device Comprising Asymmetric Phase Transport of Waves”

[0011] 8. C. Cohen-Tannoudji, B. Diu, F. Laloe, Quantum Mechanics, Wiley, 2005

[0012] 9. Y. Imry, Introduction to Mesoscopic Physics, Oxford University Press (2002)

[0013] 10. S. Datta, Electronic Transport in Mesoscopic Systems, Cambridge University Press (1995)

[0014] 11. J. Johnson, Phys. Rev., 32, 97 (1928)

[0015] 12. H. Nyquist, Phys. Rev., 32, 110 (1928)

[0016] 13. JMR Parrondo and BJ de Cisneros, Appl. Phys. A 75, 179-191 (2002)

[0017] 14.P. "Review of Modern Physics (Rev. Mod. Phys.)", 81, 387-442 (2009) 15. CA Marlow et al., "Phys. Rev. Lett", 96, 116801 (2006) 16. DM Zumbühl et al., "Phys. Rev. Lett", 96, 206802 (2006)

[0018] 17. R. Leturcq et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 96, 126801 (2006) 18. V. Krstic et al., J. Chem. Phys., 117, 11315-11319 (2002)

[0019] 19.Th.M.Nieuwenhuizen, AAEllahverdyan, "Physica E", 036102 (2002)

[0020] 20. S. Vinjanampathy and J. Anders, Contemporary Physics, 57, 545 (2016)

[0021] 21. Z. Merali, Nature, 551, 20 (2017)

[0022] 22. DK Ferry, SM Goodnick and J. Bird, Transport in Nanostructures, Cambridge University Press (2009)

[0023] 23.LE Reichl, A Modern Course in Statistical Physics, E. Arnold, 1980

[0024] 24. V. Capek and DP Sheehan, Challenges to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, Springer, 2005

[0025] In the references (Mannhart, Braak, European patent application "Non-reciprocal filter for matter waves"; No. 18 180 759.5; Mannhart 2018A; Mannhart 2018B; Mannhart 2019), non-reciprocal solid-state quantum devices have been disclosed, which break the second law of thermodynamics by changing quantum waves by magnetic fields. References (Braak, 2018; Braak's European patent application No. 18194460) also disclose more devices, all of which use photonic systems based on chiral structures to achieve related functions. The present invention shows a method in which equivalent breaking of the zeroth and second laws of thermodynamics is provided by a simpler solid-state device that only utilizes the collapse of quantum waves, their interference and the asymmetry of appropriate devices without applying magnetic fields or chiral structures, thereby enhancing its applicability. Although no magnetic field is required, the device disclosed in the present invention is similar to the device disclosed in the reference (D. Braak and J. Mannhart, European Patent Application No. 18180 759.5 "A non-reciprocal device involving asymmetric phase transmission of waves") in various usage features and partial functions. Summary of the invention

[0026] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a quantum device includes a transmission structure connected between at least a first port and a second port, wherein a first quantum wave is emitted from the first port and the second port and passes through the transmission structure forwardly from the first port to the second port and reversely from the second port to the first port; wherein a unit of the transmission structure and the first port and the second port are asymmetric in the direction of the connecting ports; and wherein the transmission structure or the first port and the second port are further configured so that a wave function of the first quantum wave undergoes at least partial collapse or decoherence in the transmission structure or the first port or the second port, or is generated by at least partial collapse or decoherence in the first port or the second port, and wherein a second quantum wave generated by at least partial collapse or decoherence of the first quantum wave propagates to one of the first port and the second port, or generates another second quantum wave.

[0027] According to the first embodiment, the asymmetry of the transmission time of the first quantum wave can be caused so that the time taken for the quantum wave in the device to propagate from port A to port B is shorter than the time taken for the quantum wave to propagate from port B to port A. This difference in transmission time is produced without the need for a magnetic field or a chiral structure. As a result, the number of collapses of the quantum wave propagating from port B to port A is greater than the number of collapses of the quantum wave propagating in the opposite direction.

[0028] An increase in the number of collapses will generate more second quantum waves moving randomly in different directions in the device. Therefore, even if the number of quantum waves emitted from port A and port B is equal, a net transmission of quantum waves from port A to port B can be achieved.

[0029] According to the second embodiment, the first port and the second port are made of different materials and emit different wave packets. When passing through the transmission structure, the transit times of these wave packets are different.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, one or more quantum devices made according to the first aspect are used in one or more devices. In these devices, the quantum wave is given by the de Broglie wave of an electron or the electromagnetic wave of a photon; a device, the first wave of which includes a quantum that obtains energy from a heat source or has an excitation energy of the order of kT, such that 0 < E < 100kT, where T represents the ambient temperature;

[0031] A device that uses the quantum-mechanical superposition of states and at least partial collapse of the wave function to break one or more of the zeroth or second laws of thermodynamics; a device that uses at least partial quantum physical collapse or quantum-mechanical superposition of the wave function, and at least partial collapse of the wave function, to bring the system out of a thermal equilibrium state, where the thermal equilibrium state is characterized by equal temperatures of the device components;

[0032] A device that uses at least partial quantum physical collapse or quantum-mechanical superposition of the wave function, and at least partial collapse of the wave function, to generate a temperature difference or an energy density difference within one object or between several objects;

[0033] A device for realizing heating, cooling, material transportation, energy transportation, or power generation.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating the quantum device of the first aspect includes providing one or more sources that generate a first quantum wave, where at least one source of the first quantum wave is in thermal contact with the environment. The environment can be a natural environment, such as a room at room temperature or somewhere in nature, but it can also be an artificial environment, such as a cavity containing the device, or a thermal environment provided by a water bath or a heating furnace.

[0035] In one of the embodiments, without an external voltage, the quantum device further described below does not require an external voltage to be applied between the first port A and the second port B.

[0036] In one embodiment, the quantum device is configured to operate in a linear response regime using quantum mechanical superposition of states and at least partial collapse or decoherence of the wave function. In signal theory and transmission theory, a distinction is made between linear and nonlinear response regimes. Here we use a transmission theory example to illustrate this difference: We take a system, such as a wire carrying a bias current I as the input signal. The wire then produces a voltage V (output signal). When the current bias is small, in the ohmic transport regime, the voltage V is linearly related to I: V = R_0I, where the resistance R_0 is a proportionality constant, which represents the transport situation in the linear regime. When the current bias is large, the heating of the wire by the current becomes relevant, and the current-induced magnetic field may also affect the wire resistance, making it different from R_0. In these cases, the current V varies in a nonlinear manner as a function of I, such as V = R_0I + a I^2 + ... (= nonlinear regime).

[0037] Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments, and the accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiments and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the embodiments. Other embodiments and many expected advantages of the embodiments will become better understood by referring to the detailed description below.

[0039] Figure 1 include Figure 1 A, 1B, 1C and 1D, and show the transmission and reflection of various quantum waves arriving at the Y-shaped connection from the left and right sides at two Y-shaped connections with different geometric shapes.

[0040] Figure 2 The transmission structure with longitudinal symmetry connecting port A and port B is shown. Figure 1 The Y-shaped connections are connected in series.

[0041] Figure 3 include Figure 3 A and Figure 3 B. Figure 3 A shows the electron passing through the electron from left to right and from right to left in the opposite direction. Figure 3 The transit time difference of the wave packet when the structure is shown in B. The transit time can be calculated by strictly solving the Schrödinger equation diagonally.

[0042] Figure 4Shown is a transmission structure that exploits lateral asymmetry to connect ports A and B. The device also employs a magnetic field H applied out of its plane.

[0043] Figure 5 Shown is a transmission structure that uses a longitudinal asymmetric single-connected structure to connect ports A and B.

[0044] Figure 6 Demonstrated is a transmission structure using a completely symmetric and simply connected region to connect ports A and B. The device is based on the different electronic properties of contacts A and B, so that the electronic wave packet emitted by port A is different in envelope shape from the wave packet emitted by port B.

[0045] Figure 7 include Figure 7 A, 7B, 7C and 7D. The figure shows that at time t1, from the left ( Figure 7 A) and from the right ( Figure 7 C) How the arriving electron wave packet is captured at the defect. At a later time t2, the electron is released ( Figure 7 B, Figure 7 D) and moves randomly to the left or right, regardless of the original direction of movement of the incident wave.

[0046] Figure 8 Shown is a transmission structure that uses a longitudinally asymmetric simply connected region to connect ports A and B. As shown, this transmission structure includes five inelastic scattering centers that have been integrated into the device architecture during the manufacturing process.

[0047] Fig. 9 include Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B. Fig. 9 B is used to describe the reverse movement of electrons from left to right and from right to left. Fig. 9 The classification function of the wave packet when the structure is shown in A. The classification calculation is realized by strictly diagonalizing the Schrödinger equation and introducing the quantum collapse effect caused by inelastic scattering events through Monte Carlo simulation program. Fig. 9 B shows that in this structure, electrons moving from left to right have a higher transmission rate than electrons moving in the opposite direction from right to left.

[0048] Fig.10 Shown is a longitudinally asymmetric transmission structure, which is electrically connected to a resistor R to form a loop. The entire structure is isolated from the outside world by a housing. When the device is started in a thermal equilibrium state, each element is characterized by being at the same temperature T.

[0049] Fig.11Shown is a longitudinally asymmetric transmission structure electrically connected to a circuit with a resistor R and a load resistor R_L. The entire structure is isolated from the outside world by a housing, except for two wires. When the device is started in a state of thermal equilibrium, each element is characterized by being at the same temperature T. The load resistor R_L can be given by the inductance of the motor lifting the load.

[0050] Fig.12 include Fig.12 A and Fig.12 B. Fig.12 A shows a one-dimensional array of transport structures. Although the transport structures are completely symmetrical internally, they are connected to the contacts in a longitudinally asymmetric manner, which is key to the function of the device. Fig.12 B shows Fig.12 A is a two-dimensional expansion of the array shown.

[0051] Fig.13 Shown is a transmission structure using photons as quantum waves, which includes a first port and a second port, an optical projection system connecting the two ports, and two apertures with different apertures on the left and right sides of the optical projection system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The term "wave" refers to any wave associated with a quantum object, such as photon waves, de Broglie waves of particles or quasiparticles. Quantum waves are generated / changed during elementary interactions, where such processes must be described quantum mechanically, and may undergo quantum mechanical collapse as detailed in the [Cohen] example. In addition, the term "wave" also includes wave packets, such as the wave packets of the Gaussian envelope function.

[0053] The term "collapse" is used to describe any process that results in at least partial phasebreaking decoherence of a quantum mechanical state.

[0054] In the following description and claims regarding quantum devices, it should be noted that the term "quantum device" is to be understood in a broad sense. With respect to the function of the device disclosed herein, the device is essentially a device for matter waves or electromagnetic waves such as photons, particle waves, quasi-particle waves. In terms of its structure, it can be considered as an artificial or man-made structure, such as a light transmission path, electromagnetic waveguide, wire or other line made by various different technical methods (including integrated circuit technology). However, the device can also be considered to be composed of or contain chemical components, such as molecules, molecular compounds, molecular rings (benzene rings with side groups), etc. The device can also be considered as a solid compound, such as having a crystal structure that performs the function of the device, or as a structure manufactured in or from such a crystal structure.

[0055] Furthermore, the term "transmission path" may, but need not, be understood as a physical entity. In some devices, a physical entity, such as a length of wire or waveguide, may comprise a transmission path. In other devices, such a physical entity may comprise two transmission paths, i.e., two opposite directions of propagation of particles in the physical body. In other devices, the term should not be understood as a tangible or physical entity made of a specific material. Rather, it should be understood as a virtual path of a particle or wave in space, or even a virtual path of a particle or wave placed in a gas environment.

[0056] Furthermore, the term "random" is used not only to describe processes with completely random properties, but also to describe, for example, very irregular phase distributions, such that interference events between waves with such phases are significantly suppressed.

[0057] The term "phase coherent" does not necessarily mean that inelastic, phase-breaking scattering effects are absent from the device. In fact, as shown by [Imry], some inelastic scattering effects, such as phonons, can coexist with phase coherence of the portion of the wave that is not affected by the scattering, and can be beneficial, or even necessary in some cases for the device to operate. Therefore, the term "phase coherent" should be understood to mean that inelastic, phase-breaking scattering effects of particle transport in the device may or may not exist, provided that there is a portion of the wave whose phase is not affected by the phase-breaking scattering.

[0058] In addition, any features, opinions or comments regarding one or more quantum devices or their use should also be understood as simultaneously disclosing the features and steps of the corresponding methods, where these features and steps are intended to operate the quantum device normally, or use it in any larger device or system, and drive (various) quantum devices to achieve the functions required by the larger device or system.

[0059] Figure 1 A and Figure 1B shows two wave packets 10.2, which originate from port A and collide in a transmission structure on two Y-shaped connections (10.1 and 10.6) with different geometries. The Y-shaped connection leads to port B and port C. There is no external voltage between ports A, B and C. The lines between the Y-shaped connections 10.1 and 10.6 and ports A, B and C can be wires for electron transmission. When the wave packet consists of de Broglie waves of electrons, the time evolution of the wave packet is described by the Schrödinger equation of quantum mechanics. Therefore, the wave packet is divided into three parts: one part (10.3) is reflected back to port A, and the remaining wave packet is divided into two parts (10.4, 10.5), and these transmitted wave packets go to port B and port C respectively. The relative ratio of the amplitude of the reflected wave packet and the transmitted wave packet to the amplitude of the original impact wave packet is characterized by their respective reflection coefficients (R) and transmission coefficients (T), therefore, R^2+T^2=1[Imry].

[0060] As defined by the Schrödinger equation, the reflection and transmission coefficients depend on the shape of the wave packet and the geometry of the connection. Specifically, among the many wave packets, Figure 1 The connection geometry shown in B (10.6) has a larger reflection coefficient than the geometry shown in 1A (10.1).

[0061] Likewise, if Figure 1 C and Figure 1 As shown in Figure D, when the wave packet arrives from the other side of the Y-shaped junction, the reflection and transmission coefficients are functions of the wave packet shape and the junction geometry.

[0062] Figure 2 Shown is a transmission structure consisting of two different connections in series forming a loop. For such a two-terminal device, the unitary evolution law of quantum states requires that the reflection and transmission coefficients characterizing the reflection and transmission of a quantum wave through the entire device are symmetric with respect to the direction of movement of the wave packet [Datta]. However, due to the different coefficients of the two Y-connections, the time evolution of the wave packet is different, depending on whether it comes from port A or port B. An example of the difference is shown below: a quantum wave moving from port B to the device has a higher probability of being reflected by the right-hand Y-connection (20.2) than a quantum wave moving from port A to be reflected by the left-hand Y-connection (20.1). These different effective trajectories of the wave packet result in differences in the average travel time of the wave in the two directions of movement (i.e. from port A to port B, or from port B to port A). In particular, the average time that a quantum wave travels in the loop is a function of the direction of movement. Figure 2 The terms "longitudinal" and "lateral" are also shown.

[0063] Figure 3A shows the results of a rigorous numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation to illustrate this surprising behavior, where the Figure 3 This result is obtained by strictly diagonalizing the electron wave packet of the transmission structure shown in B.

[0064] More specifically, Figure 3 A shows an electron wave packet passing through Figure 3 The transmission and reflection probabilities of or reflected by the device shown in B as a result of the solution of the Schrödinger equation. L→L refers to electrons coming from the left and reflected to the left, R→R refers to electrons coming from the right and reflected to the right, L→R refers to electrons coming from the left and transmitted to the right, and R→L refers to electrons coming from the right and transmitted to the left. Starting from t=0ps, when the device is in thermal equilibrium, the transmission and reflection of electrons through the structure are shown by calculation. At t=0, all parts of the device are at the same temperature. Under the device function, the device then begins to project and reflect the electron wave function with the time relationship shown, so that at about >80ps, the electron wave function almost completely reaches the port where it is transmitted or reflected. The structures shown have the same transmission probability (L→R=R→L). However, the relationship between the reflection probability and time is different. This type of calculation is applicable to the case where there is no scattering. The time unit is picoseconds (psec). In this special case, the time scale corresponds to Figure 3 The structure shown in B has a lattice spacing of 10 nanometers, and electrons move with free electron mass, a median wavelength of 60 nanometers, and a wave packet width of 50 nanometers.

[0065] Figure 3 B shows the calculation Figure 3 An exemplary structure of longitudinal asymmetry of A for which the Schrödinger equation has been rigorously solved diagonally using the tight-binding model with reference to the grid points drawn as black dots. In some cases, these grid points can be visualized, for example as atoms. The grid points marked by white circles are the locations of potential inelastic scattering centers.

[0066] The quantum rings disclosed in the references (Mannhart, European patent application "Non-reciprocal filter for matter waves"; Braak, 18 180 759.5; Mannhart 2018A; Mannhart 2018B; Mannhart 2019) are characterized by identical delays. In the quantum rings disclosed in the references (Mannhart, European patent application "Non-reciprocal filter for matter waves"; Braak, 18 180 759.5; Mannhart 2018A; Mannhart 2018B; Mannhart 2019), the transverse symmetry of the quantum ring (i.e. the symmetry perpendicular to the trajectory path, see Figure 2 ) and induce this characteristic, such as Figure 4 As shown. Only when a magnetic field H of appropriate strength passes through the loop, after the transverse symmetry is broken, will the transit times differ, because a magnetic field is required to combine the transverse asymmetry with the longitudinal symmetry breaking. Therefore, the devices disclosed in the references (Mannhart, European patent application "Non-reciprocity filter for matter waves"; Braak, 18 180 759.5; Mannhart 2018A; Mannhart 2018; Annhart 2019) require the application of a magnetic field. Longitudinal asymmetric devices ( Figure 2 ) No external magnetic field is required. The absence of a magnetic field brings clear and decisive advantages in many use scenarios of the device in terms of parameter control, complexity, size, weight and cost.

[0067] In fact, for the transmission of quantum waves throughout the device, the asymmetry of the longitudinal structural device combined with the time reversal asymmetry inherent in the collapse effect is sufficient to break the time reversal symmetry.

[0068] It should be noted that the time difference effect caused by longitudinal symmetry is not limited to multiple connection paths. Figure 2 An example is provided for this purpose. Figure 5 The same asymmetry is also achieved in the simply connected transmission path shown. This is obvious because the contacts 50.1 and 50.2 contact the left and right sides of the central part of the device respectively and have different shapes. Figure 2 The difference in the example is that Figure 5 The transmission structure of the example includes not only the wire, but also an extension area connected to port A and port B through the wire. The extension area is longitudinally asymmetric, so that the probability of contact 50.2 reflecting electrons emitted from port B is higher than the probability of contact 50.1 reflecting electrons emitted from port A. Therefore, Figure 5 The device can be used with Figure 2 The device operates in the same manner.

[0069] More importantly, for transmission structures that induce longitudinal asymmetry only through contacts or ports, even the time difference effect can be induced, such as Figure 6As shown. If port A and port B emit wave packets 60.1 and 60.2 of different shapes, but even with the same average momentum and energy, the transmission times for wave packets moving in opposite directions are also different. This may happen if port A and port B are made of different materials (such as two different conductive contacts whose electronic systems have different characteristics, such as the spectral density of states of the electronic or phonon system, or have different defects). The two contacts can be made of two different metal materials, such as copper and aluminum, copper and copper alloy, or metal and highly doped semiconductor. The inner diamond part in the center of the transmission structure can be of any kind and form, and in particular can be of a longitudinally symmetrical shape.

[0070] It is important to understand another key aspect of the invention: the function of the device with broken transmission time symmetry is achieved by adding features to the transmission path, which induce at least partial phase decoherence of the quantum wave or at least partial quantum mechanical collapse process in the device. This collapse leads to the loss of phase information of the quantum wave, because the dissipative coupling of the absorbing wave with the macroscopic environment (macroscopic bath) causes decoherence. This process is repeatedly referred to as the "quantum mechanical measurement process" [Cohen].

[0071] Figure 7 AD shows the main effect of the so-called "trapping point location" that can cause inelastic scattering of electron waves and thus lead to the collapse of the wave function. This example is used to explain this collapse feature integrated into the device function.

[0072] Figure 7 A shows an electron wave 70.1 coming from the left, which at time t1 hits a capture center 70.2, which acts as an inelastic scatterer and captures the electron at an energy level 70.3 below the energy level of the input electron wave 70.1. The momentum of the incident electron is transferred through the scattering point to a macroscopic thermal bath 70.4, which can be provided by the substrate lattice. This transfer also results in an effective loss of the phase memory of the electron wave.

[0073] like Figure 7 At a later time t2, the electron wave escapes from the trapped position by thermal excitation, for example, generated by the thermal environment 70.4, as shown in B. Since the memory of the direction and phase of the incident electron is lost, the electron is now emitted randomly to the left and right with equal probability.

[0074] For reasons of symmetry, the electron that initially arrives from the right ( Figure 7 C) has the same characteristics ( Figure 7 D).

[0075] Such inelastic scattering is usually caused by, for example, electron-phonon scattering effects or scattering effects of electrons at irregularities (such as defects) in the lattice forming the transmission path. Therefore, the frequency of these inelastic scattering effects (characterized by the average scattering time of the inelastic scattering of electrons, or its average phase loss time) can be controlled by changing the temperature of the thermal environment 70.4 or changing the defect density present in the lattice of the transmission structure (for example, intentionally adding defects to a crystal with few defects). In this way, it is possible to obtain Figure 8 In this transmission structure 80.1 with asymmetric transmission time, five inelastic scattering centers 80.2 that cause electron wave collapse and attenuation are marked as examples.

[0076] Figure 6 The device in works in a similar way. If there is no inelastic scattering effect inside the transport structure, the device will only cause non-reciprocal transmission times for electrons arriving from the left or right. However, if the transport structure contains inelastic scattering centers or capture centers, the device will sort the electrons.

[0077] By this point, the gist of the invention can be easily understood.To explain the function of the device, we first consider a case where the density of inelastic scattering centers is determined so that the average inelastic scattering time is approximately equal to the difference in the transit time of electrons initially moving from the left and from the right.

[0078] Electrons arriving from port A pass through the transport structure at a very high speed and therefore have only a small probability of undergoing collapse. Therefore, the electron wave leaving port A will have a relatively high probability of being transmitted to port B.

[0079] However, given the geometry of the transport structure, the electrons arriving from port B will inevitably stay in the transport structure for a long time. Therefore, this electron wave has a high probability of undergoing a collapse, and, as described above with the help of Figure 7 As explained, there is also a fairly high probability that it will be transferred by the collapse and then return to port B.

[0080] Therefore, the probability of transmission through the transmission structure has an asymmetry: an electron wave moving from port A to port B has a higher probability of passing through the device than an electron wave moving from port B to port A.

[0081] This understanding was confirmed by rigorous calculations, in which inelastic scattering was added to the unitary evolution of the quantum mechanical state (described by a single Schrödinger equation case) to determine the movement trajectories of the electrons, which were determined by Monte Carlo-type methods. Fig. 9 B shows how Fig. 9 Calculation results for electrons moving in the transport structure shown in A.

[0082] Fig. 9 A again shows an exemplary longitudinal asymmetric structure (eg Figure 3 B), for this structure, the Schrödinger equation has been rigorously solved diagonally using a tight-binding model and reference lattice points (shown as black dots). These lattice points can be visualized, for example as atoms. The lattice points marked by white circles are the locations of potential inelastic scattering centers.

[0083] Fig. 9 B shows the case of considering inelastic scattering Fig. 9 A classification characteristic of a device in which the average scattering time is approximately equal to the difference in reflection times in two directions. Fig. 9 B is drawn by Monte Carlo calculation of all 2304 electrons. The figure shows the fractional charge (i.e., probability P) of these electrons leaving the device through the left port or the right port. To give a few examples: an electron with P = 0 has an equal probability of leaving the device to the left and to the right, and an electron with P = -1 will leave the device to the left. An electron with P = 0.5 has a 75% probability of leaving the device to the right. As shown in the figure, the arithmetic mean of all electrons is Pav ~ -0.0546. Therefore, there are obviously more electrons leaving the device to the left than to the right, that is, the device classifies the electrons.

[0084] To use Figure 8 To illustrate how the device works, we analyze the characteristics of the device in a circuit, where the device is connected to a resistor R (100.1) to form a closed loop (see Fig.10 ). The entire structure is in a closed environment (100.2) and is started at a uniform temperature T.

[0085] Since the resistor R (100.1) operates at temperature T, it will cause a fluctuating thermal noise current to flow through the resistor. This current is quantified by the Johnson-Nyquist equation [Johnson, 1928; Nyquist, 1928], I_noise = sqrt(4k B TΔf / R)). Here, the frequency band Δf represents the effective bandwidth of the induced current, k B represents the Boltzmann constant. This fluctuating current consists of electron wave packets passing through port A and port B. Since the device itself (100.3) has a higher transmission, the resistance of the wave packet moving from A to B is smaller than that from B to A (the opposite direction), so within the average time range, a circulating electron current I_circ (100.4) is generated in the loop through induction, as shown in Fig.10As shown in the figure, since I_circ (100.4) flows through R (100.1) and generates a voltage V = I_circ × R between port A and port B, the negative value of port B is greater than that of port A.

[0086] The voltage V and the circulating current I_circ can be used to supply power to a device 110.1 (such as a lamp or a motor) with a load resistor R L Power supply for characteristic devices) (see Fig.11 ), in which case the energy to power these devices is provided by thermal energy associated with T, so that T decreases over time.

[0087] Comparison with existing technologies

[0088] A) The device is reminiscent of the so-called quantum ratchet [Parrondo, 】. Due to the longitudinal asymmetry of the device structure, the quantum ratchet achieves directional transmission of particles and waves in one direction. Unlike the device of the present invention, for ratchets to work, they must be excited or "shaken" by a power source that is unbalanced with the device itself [Parrondo, The reason for the difference between the two types of devices is that the ratchet cannot properly exploit quantum collapse events.

[0089] B) It has also been reported that asymmetric quantum billiards (e.g., see [Marlow]), quantum dots (e.g., see [Zumbühl, Marlow]), chiral structures (e.g., see [Krstic]), and asymmetric AharonovBohm rings (e.g., see [Leturcq]) can produce rectifying behavior. In all of these cases, the function is achieved as a nonlinear action of the device, which is also referred to in the industry as a "nonlinear response." For example, in a chiral structure, the current sent through the device generates a magnetic field, which causes changes in electron scattering through chirality, thereby changing the resistance and acting on the current. Therefore, the asymmetry of the device voltage is proportional to the square of the current. This nonlinear response distinguishes all of these devices from the device proposed in the present disclosure. It is the unique application of quantum collapse events and device asymmetry that makes the current devices do not require nonlinear effects, thereby enabling them to sort individual quantum waves as needed to achieve device function (see Fig.11 ). In fact, it has been shown [Büttiker, 1988] that it is not possible to achieve non-reciprocal transport in a linear response for devices which do not exploit collapse processes and asymmetries as in the device of the present invention.

[0090] C) In [Nieuwenhuizen] a hypothetical system is discussed which allegedly shows some disagreement between quantum physics and the second law of thermodynamics. However, as these authors point out, the disagreement is limited to quantum mechanical entangled states that exist at very low temperatures, because these entangled states are destroyed by decoherence processes. Furthermore, the quantum entanglement must be of the multi-particle type. These requirements make the proposed system impractical for practical implementation. In contrast, the present invention does not rely on quantum entanglement, but on single-particle coherence, collapse processes and interference.

[0091] D) We point out that in the field of quantum thermodynamics (see, e.g., [Vinjanampathy]) so-called Maxwell's demons have been realized that enable one-way particle transport and entropy reduction in closed systems. However, these devices achieve the above effects by increasing the amount of information stored in Maxwell's demon. Therefore, if considered together with their Maxwell's demon, these devices comply with the second law of thermodynamics [Merali]. This is a key difference from the devices presented in the current disclosure, which do not process or store information and therefore violate the second law of thermodynamics.

[0092] E) Finally, it is once again pointed out that the device presented in the present disclosure is reminiscent of the device presented in [Mannhart, European patent application "Non-reciprocal filter for matter waves"; Braak, 18 180 759.5; Mannhart 2018A; Mannhart 2018B; Mannhart 2019]. However, the device of [Mannhart, European patent application "Non-reciprocal filter for matter waves"; Braak, 18 180759.5; Mannhart 2018A; Mannhart 2018B; Mannhart 2019] can only achieve its function with the help of transverse asymmetry of the transmission path, which requires the use of an external magnetic field. The device presented here does not rely on transverse asymmetry. Due to the longitudinal asymmetry of its transmission path, it is not necessary to apply a magnetic field, which makes the new device simpler to realize, easier to adjust and cheaper.

[0093] Embodiments of the device

[0094] A) Figure 8The basic structure of the device shown in can be realized, for example, by depositing and patterning a film of a metal such as gold, silver, copper, etc. on a suitable substrate such as silicon dioxide or sapphire. The device size must be chosen so that it is similar to the electronic phase breaking length at the operating temperature. This requirement is equivalent to typical device sizes of the order of 100nm-1μm operating at 4.2K or lower [Imry, Datta]. In this case, inelastic scattering is provided by a mixture of electron-phonon scattering and crystal defects (such as grain boundaries). Obviously, the body 80.1 of the transmission structure can also form a ring (such as 20.3), with the scattering center located in the conductor.

[0095] B) A second preferred embodiment of the device is to use semiconductors for the transport structure. In fact, semiconductors such as gallium arsenide or related materials are used to realize the device due to their large phase coherence length (1.62 μm for gallium arsenide at low temperatures [Ferry]). The large inelastic scattering length means that the device does not need to reach sub-micron lengths or can operate at high temperatures. The use of semiconductors such as gallium arsenide also allows the structure to be defined by a depletion layer using a gate electrode, as practiced in [Leturcq].

[0096] C) A third preferred embodiment of the device is to use organic molecules as the transport structure. Conductive molecules with longitudinal asymmetry will provide a time difference for electron conduction in the two directions of travel. For example, electron-phonon scattering or the effect of side groups will cause phase breaking scattering. The molecules must be connected to the contacts. For metal contacts (such as gold contacts), it is preferably achieved through thiophene bonds. Due to the inherent small size of the molecules and the high intrinsic electronic coherence in the molecules, it is a preferred way to realize the device through molecules for operation at room temperature or higher temperatures. This embodiment embodies another advantage of the present invention: the transport structure (in this embodiment, the molecule) does not need to be aligned with an externally applied magnetic field. For example, this provides the freedom of nominally random orientation of the molecules in three-dimensional space, provided that proper contact with the port is maintained.

[0097] In a first variation of this embodiment, the molecules can be incorporated into a heterostructure consisting of a metal electrode (e.g., gold) deposited on a substrate (e.g., silicon). On this metal layer there is one or more layers of these molecules, usually with a preferred orientation. The tops of these molecules are in contact with another metal layer (e.g., gold or silver). For the reasons given above, if the electronic properties of the two metal layers are different, longitudinally symmetric molecules can be used.

[0098] In a second variation of this embodiment, the functionality of the molecule is realized by a nano-patterned or micro-patterned two-dimensional material such as molybdenum disulfide or graphene. For some applications, it may be more beneficial to use multiple layers of two-dimensional materials, such as double-layer graphene. The two-dimensional material or multiple layers of two-dimensional materials can be patterned into wires, nanoribbons, stripes, or can be patterned to include holes or arrangements of holes.

[0099] D) In ​​a fourth possible device embodiment, the present disclosure illustrates how these devices can be arranged in an array to enhance the effect. Fig.12 A shows part of a larger one-dimensional array of transmission structures. In this example, the interior of the transmission structure (120.1) is considered symmetrical. These structures are connected to an asymmetric contact consisting of two layers 120.2 and 120.3. These two layers produce electronic wave packets of different shapes (see Figure 6 ), causing the device to operate. If the phase-breaking length of the contact is much smaller than the contact thickness, the output voltage of an array consisting of n independent devices will be n times the output voltage of a single device. This is because phase coherence does not need to be established across the entire array.

[0100] Fig.12 B shows that it is straightforward to extend the principle of one-dimensional arrays to higher-order arrays. Fig.12 The two-dimensional array shown in B has an output power proportional to the number of individual devices (120.1) in the array, and an output voltage proportional to the number of individual devices (120.1) in the longitudinal direction.

[0101] Fig.13 An embodiment of the present invention using photons as quantum waves is given. In this embodiment, a transmission unit surrounded by a housing 13.1 includes an optical projection system 13.2 (e.g., a lens) and connects two ports 13.3 and 13.4. For example, the housing 13.1 is made of a metal with a reflection coefficient close to 1, so the reflection coefficient disappears. Therefore, it acts as a mirror. The optical projection image is designed to image the aperture 13.7 at a ratio of 1:1 onto the entrance of 13.3 composed of the aperture 13.6 and the reflection ring 13.5. The corresponding light routes are represented by 13.8 and 13.9. Obviously, this projection also works in the reverse direction.

[0102] In the following case (a), the projection system 13.2 is made of a completely transparent material.

[0103] (a) A quantum wave consisting of wave packet 13.10 arrives at the transmission unit from the left and is either reflected by protrusion 13.5 back to 13.3 or passes through 13.6, lens 13.2 and the inside of aperture 13.7 to enter 13.4 to leave the system to the right. A quantum wave consisting of wave packet 13.11 arrives at the transmission unit from the right through 13.7 and 13.2. It then either leaves the system to the left through 13.6 and 13.3 or is reflected by 13.5, passes through 13.2 and 13.7, and leaves the system to the right. Therefore, the system design ensures that if quantum wave packets arrive from the left (13.10) and from the right (13.11) in equal numbers, then the number of photon waves that pass through lens 13.2 to the left and right that emerge from 13.11 is greater than the number that emerges from 13.10. Despite this asymmetry, the overall transmission coefficient of the system is symmetric: if quantum waves arrive in equal numbers from the left (13.10) and from the right (13.11), they will also leave in equal numbers to the left and to the right.

[0104] (b) Now let us consider the case where lens 13.2 is made of a material that introduces absorption and random re-emission by inelastic scattering of a portion (say 10%) of the quantum waves that pass through it. Clearly, this absorption and re-emission has a greater effect on the quantum waves originating from 13.11, since they pass through the lens in greater numbers than the quantum waves originating from 13.10. Since the re-emission of the quantum waves that pass through 13.2 is essentially random, the number of re-emitted waves emitted to the left and to the right is equal. Because aperture 13.6 is smaller than aperture 13.7 due to ring 13.5, the number of these re-emitted waves that leave the system to the right through 13.4 is greater than the number that leaves the system to the left through 13.3. Due to this effect, quantum waves 13.11 arriving from the right are reflected by the transport system in large quantities to the right. Quantum waves 13.10 emitted from the left are reflected by the transport system in smaller quantities to the left. Through this non-reciprocity, the transport system creates the desired imbalance between the quantum wave groups of 13.3 and 13.4.

[0105] It should be added that another photonic device can be provided, the principle of which is similar to Figure 6 The photonic device may also include a first port and a second port made of different materials, which will emit photon waves with different wave packet shapes, so that the transmission time of wave packets traveling in opposite directions will be different. It should also be mentioned that Figure 2 or Figure 8 The geometry of the transmission paths shown in only presents two simple embodiments. The paths may be more complex and may include, for example, several loops, using a third dimension. Other components such as additional scatterers, non-reciprocal filters or even black bodies may also be included.

[0106] It is worth noting that the fact that no magnetic field needs to be applied to operate the device is a major advantage of the device proposed in the present disclosure, as this simplifies the application of the device in many cases. However, this does not mean that the devices must operate in the absence of a magnetic field. They can also operate in a magnetic field, and such operation may be required, for example, if the device is not shielded from background magnetic fields.

[0107] It should also be mentioned that for some applications, it may be preferable to combine the device architecture proposed in [Mannhart, European patent application "Non-reciprocal filter for matter waves"; Braak, 18 180 759.5; Mannhart 2018A; Mannhart 2018B; Mann-hart 2019] based on transverse asymmetry with the device presented in the present disclosure. Although this combination requires the use of excess magnetic fields in most cases, the device, which uses a larger available parameter range by breaking all symmetries, can operate with enhanced efficiency or robustness in some cases.

[0108] A method of operating a quantum device may be defined as comprising providing a source of a first wave, wherein at least one source of the first wave is in thermal contact with an environment. The environment may be a natural environment, such as a room at room temperature, or somewhere in nature. It may also be an artificial environment, such as a cavity containing the device, or a thermal environment such as provided by a water bath or a hot stove.

[0109] The quantum device operation method according to the first aspect may alternatively or additionally be defined as comprising providing a source of a first wave, wherein the source of the first wave is not actively excited, in particular not actively excited by non-thermal energy, such that the source may be actively heated or cooled.

[0110] It is important to note that the behavior of these devices does not conform to the zeroth and second laws of thermodynamics, according to the current understanding and formulation of the zeroth and second laws of thermodynamics in textbooks [Reichl]. The zeroth law is violated because the two ports A and B, which are in thermal contact through the transmission structure, are not kept at equal temperatures, and a temperature difference is generated when the device produces output power. The second law is violated because in this closed system, the state of uniform temperature distribution, i.e. the state of maximum entropy, is unstable, causing the system to enter a lower energy state. Some experts, such as the famous physicist Enrico Fermi, foresaw that this would lead to a disagreement with the second law [E.Fermi].

[0111] In fact, for decades, people have been imagining what advantages a then-hypothetical device would bring that could violate the second law of thermodynamics, see [Capek].

[0112] However, as experts and laymen know (see, for example, [Merali, Reichl]), a practical device that breaks the second law of thermodynamics, often called a perpetual motion machine of the second kind, is a product of little more than speculation. Current discussions focus on devices that use quantum effects occurring at temperatures close to absolute zero, in particular quantum entanglement, as summarized by [Nieuwenhuizen]. Since it is impossible to understand how a practical device would work, these studies have never progressed from speculation to working devices. In fact, most members of the scientific community are convinced that, in principle, such a device may never be built.

[0113] It should also be mentioned that the above quantum devices and their applications may need to be coupled to a heat bath. The medium of this heat bath can be solid, liquid or gas. The device can extract energy from one or several heat baths and transfer heat energy to one or several other heat baths, for example.

[0114] Another valuable aspect of the present invention is that processes driven by quantum collapse can be controlled relatively easily. For example, the function of the device can be affected or controlled by adding other electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, batteries, inductors, sensors, controllers or switches to the circuit. These systems can also be equipped with input terminals for process control. Internally or externally generated signals can be used to control the process.

[0115] The present disclosure also relates to a device for taking advantage of longitudinal device asymmetry and at least partial quantum collapse of a wave function to bring a system out of thermal equilibrium.

[0116] The present disclosure also relates to a device for generating temperature differences within an object or between several objects using longitudinal device asymmetry and at least partial quantum collapse of a wave function.

[0117] In a device according to any of the above aspects, a statistical re-emission of the quantum wave of the object is performed after at least partial quantum physical collapse at the object and at least partial absorption of the object wave function.

[0118] In the device according to any of the above aspects, at least part of the quantum physical collapse wave is statistically replaced by another quantum wave with a random phase.

[0119] In a device according to any of the above aspects, the device produces useful work by converting the generated radiation density inhomogeneity or the generated temperature difference into electrical energy, radiation, light energy or other forms of energy, or by using the achieved entropy reduction or order in some other way.

[0120] In a device according to any of the above aspects, the device can transfer mass, particles, energy, heat, momentum, angular momentum, charge or magnetic moment within an object or between several objects.

[0121] In a device according to any of the above aspects, the device charges a storage system of energy, waves or matter, such as a capacitor or a battery.

[0122] In the device according to any of the above aspects, the device can heat or cool the object.

[0123] In a device according to any of the above aspects, one or several objects of the device are operated at a base temperature different from room temperature, for example by using an additionally provided heating or cooling function.

[0124] The key factors leading to the apparent violation of the second law are the longitudinal asymmetry of the transport path, the generation of particle states in the form of wave packets, the quantum mechanical collapse of the wave packet states, and the ordering of single and multiple wave packet states by interference. These robust single-particle processes are scalable, can operate over a wide temperature range including elevated temperatures, are compatible with standard room-type environments, and can be implemented in a variety of devices acting on a variety of quantum waves including electromagnetic waves, particle waves, and quasiparticle waves.

[0125] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described through one or more embodiments, changes and / or modifications may be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the above-mentioned components or structures (components, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), unless otherwise specified, the terms used to describe these components (including references to "methods") are intended to correspond to any components and structures that perform the specific functions (e.g., equivalent functions) of the components, even if they are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structures that perform the functions of the exemplary implementations of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quantum device, comprising: A transmission structure connected between at least the first port and the second port, a housing that places the transmission structure in an environment where no external voltage is applied between the first port and the second port, wherein a first quantum wave is emitted from the first port and the second port and passes through the transmission structure in a forward direction from the first port to the second port and in a reverse direction from the second port to the first port; wherein the units of the transmission structure and the first port and the second port are asymmetric in the direction of the connection port; and wherein the transmission structure or the first and second ports are further configured such that a wave function of the first quantum wave at least partially collapses or decoheres in the transmission structure or the first or second port, or the wave function of the first quantum wave is generated by at least partial collapse or decoherence in the first or second port; And wherein a second quantum wave generated by at least partial collapse or decoherence of the first quantum wave propagates to one of the first port and the second port, or generates an additional second quantum wave.

2. The quantum device according to claim 1, wherein The transmission structure is designed so that for a first quantum wave passing through the transmission structure in a forward direction, the time it takes to pass through the transmission structure is shorter than the time it takes for a first quantum wave to pass through the transmission structure in a reverse direction, wherein The transmission time difference is caused by the device asymmetry along the transmission structure implemented in the device.

3. The quantum device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first port and the second port include or consist of different materials and / or materials with different properties.

4. The quantum device according to claim 2, wherein Device asymmetry is provided by an asymmetric distribution of defects contained in the device.

5. The quantum device according to claim 1, wherein The first quantum wave and the second quantum wave are derived from de Broglie waves of electrons.

6. The quantum device according to claim 1, wherein The transport structure includes a structure made of an electronic conductor, which is a semiconductor, a metal, a two-dimensional material, or a molecular conductor or other conductive organic material.

7. The quantum device according to claim 1, wherein The transport structure operates in a magnetic field or a temperature gradient.

8. The quantum device according to claim 1, wherein The at least partial collapse is caused by inelastic scattering or decoherence.

9. The quantum device according to claim 1, wherein The collapse is produced by structures, defects, quasiparticles or other objects present in the device.

10. The quantum device according to claim 1, wherein The average phase breaking time of the first quantum wave is 10 times the moving time difference between the first quantum wave traveling in the forward direction or the reverse direction. -3 - 10 3 within the range.

11. The quantum device according to claim 1, wherein The geometric asymmetry of the transmission structure is achieved by the geometry of a second transmission structure embedded in the transmission structure.

12. The quantum device according to claim 11, wherein The second transmission structure is simply connected.

13. The quantum device according to claim 11, wherein The second transport structure is multiply connected.

14. The quantum device of claim 1, wherein The travel time difference between the first quantum wave traveling forward or backward is achieved by the difference between the two ports.

15. The quantum device according to claim 14, wherein the moving time difference is achieved by wave packets emitted by the two ports.

16. The quantum device according to claim 15, wherein the moving time difference is achieved by the difference in the shape of the envelope function of the wave packet.

17. The quantum device of claim 1, wherein The action of the transmission structure may be altered by moving or rotating components, by changing the transmission characteristics of the transmission path, or by changing its characteristics by mechanical, electrical, magnetic or optical means.

18. The quantum device of claim 1, wherein: The housing also places the transmission structure in an environment where no magnetic field is applied to the transmission structure.

19. A device consisting of a one-dimensional, two-dimensional or three-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of quantum devices according to claim 1, including an arrangement forming an array-type structure.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein The arrangement is given by the crystal lattice structure of the solid.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein The arrangement comprises organic molecules or two-dimensional materials.

22. Use of the quantum device according to one or more of claims 1 in one or more of the following devices: - Implementing devices that violate the zeroth or second law of thermodynamics; - Bring the system out of thermal equilibrium; - Create temperature or voltage differences within an object or between several objects; - transfer particles, information, momentum, angular momentum, charge, magnetic moment or energy; - Produce electric current or electricity.

23. The use according to claim 22, wherein The device operates in the temperature range of 1 mK - 4000 K.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein The energy distribution of the first quantum wave or the second quantum wave is at least partially generated by thermal energy.

25. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein The device charges a storage system of energy, waves or matter, which storage system is a capacitor or a battery.

26. A quantum device comprising: a transmission structure connected between at least a first port and a second port, the at least first port and the second port comprising or consisting of materials having different properties provided by an asymmetric distribution of defects therein, wherein a first quantum wave is emitted by the first port and the second port and travels through the transmission structure in a forward direction from the first port to the second port and in a reverse direction from the second port to the first port; wherein the units of the transmission structure and the first port and the second port are asymmetric in the direction of the connection port; and wherein the transmission structure or the first and second ports are further configured such that a wave function of the first quantum wave at least partially collapses or decoheres in the transmission structure or the first or second port, or the wave function of the first quantum wave is generated by at least partial collapse or decoherence in the first or second port; And wherein a second quantum wave generated by at least partial collapse or decoherence of the first quantum wave propagates to one of the first port and the second port, or generates an additional second quantum wave.

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