Dresden 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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O: Fachverband Oberflächenphysik
O 99: Spins on surfaces at the atomic scale III
O 99.8: Vortrag
Freitag, 13. März 2026, 11:15–11:30, WILL/A317
Extracting mechanical work from quantum spin switching of a single atom — Nicolaj Betz1,2, Lukas M. Veldman1,2, Milton Aguilar3, Eric Lutz3, Susanne Baumann1, and •Sebastian Loth1,2 — 1University of Stuttgart, Institute for Functional Matter and Quantum Technologies — 2Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology (IQST), University of Stuttgart — 3University of Stuttgart, Institute for Theoretical Physics
Stochastic dynamics are ubiquitous in atomic-scale systems, often arising from dissipative processes through which energy is lost to the environment. Harnessing such dynamics to perform work is at the heart of molecular motors and quantum heat engines. Here, we demonstrate that a single magnetic atom can function as an electric motor that converts spin excitations into mechanical oscillations of a macroscopic cantilever. We couple an Fe atom on MgO/Ag(100) via magnetic exchange interaction to the tip of a combined atomic force (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at milli-Kelvin temperatures. Current-induced inelastic electron tunneling induces cyclic spin switching, creating an alternating exchange force that transfers energy between the quantum spin and the AFM cantilever with a power output sufficient for free-running operation. This single-atom electric motor bridges the quantum-classical divide and provides a platform for studying energy transfer in hybrid quantum-classical systems.
Keywords: scanning tunneling microscopy; atomic force microscopy; spin dynamics; molecular motor