New Paradigms in Nano Heat Engines

Explore groundbreaking research in single-particle heat engines during this Platinum Jubilee lecture from Prof. Ajay Sood at the Raman Research Institute. Delve into the fascinating world of mesoscopic heat-to-work conversion, where atoms or micro-meter sized colloids operate as working substances under fluctuation-dominated conditions. Learn how these experimental engines provide insights into molecular motors and machines, with particular focus on engineering novel couplings between working substances and thermal baths. Examine cutting-edge developments including engines driven by active non-equilibrium and viscoelastic reservoirs, cooperatively coupled engines for enhanced work extraction, and the surprising breakdown of conventional power-efficiency trade-offs. Through detailed research examples and published works, gain deep understanding of how these nano-scale heat engines are revolutionizing our comprehension of thermodynamic principles at the microscopic level.