Researchers have created a new microscopic engine that runs on a single particle, lasers and electric fields instead of gas, according to a recent study at The Institute of Photonic Sciences in coloration with the Complutense University of Madrid.
"The technology developed at ICFO is unique and allows one to tune the temperature of the particle in a very precise way. This fine tuning is a must for the success of the experiment and, consequently, ICFO is one of the few places where our micromotor could be developed" said Raul Rica, researcher of the study, in a news release.
The newly developed microscopic engine operates between two thermal baths, which make it a micro Carnot engine, according to the researchers. In the macroscopic level, a thermal engine makes it possible for a car engine to work, where gas is compressed and distributed at different temperatures. This converts thermal energy into mechanical energy, which makes it possible for a car to move.
The researchers created a microscopic engine that has the same properties as a Carnot engine, which was a breakthrough in thermodynamics.
To read more, click here.