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Title Driving a Macroscopic Oscillator with the Stochastic Motion of a Hydrogen Molecule
Authors Christian Lotze, Martina Corso, Katharina J. Franke, Felix von Oppen, Jose Ignacio Pascual
Journal Science
Vol. 338, 11 2012, pg. 779


Abstract Energy harvesting from noise is a paradigm proposed by the theory of stochastic resonances. We demonstrate that the random switching of a hydrogen (H2) molecule can drive the oscillation of a macroscopic mechanical resonator. The H2 motion was activated by tunneling electrons and caused fluctuations of the forces sensed by the tip of a noncontact atomic force microscope. The stochastic molecular noise and the periodic oscillation of the tip were coupled in a concerted dynamic that drives the system into self-oscillation. This phenomenon could be a way for enhancing the transfer of energy from incoherent sources into coherent dynamics of a molecular engine.



BibTeX entry
    @article{ AGP-2012:69,
      title = { Driving a Macroscopic Oscillator with the Stochastic Motion of a Hydrogen Molecule },
      author = { Christian Lotze, Martina Corso, Katharina J. Franke, Felix von Oppen, Jose Ignacio Pascual },
      journal = { Science },
      volume = { 338 },
      year = { 2012 },
      month = { November },
      pages = { 779-- },
    }