Huber, GerhardSchmidt-Kaler, FerdinandDeffner, SebastianLutz, Eric2020-08-112020-08-112008-08-14Gerhard Huber et al., Employing Trapped Cold Ions to Verify the Quantum Jarzynski Equality, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 07 (2008), DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.070403https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.070403http://hdl.handle.net/11603/19392We propose a scheme to investigate the nonequilibrium work distribution of a quantum particle under well controlled transformations of the external potential, exploiting the versatility of a single ion in a segmented linear Paul trap. We describe in detail how the motional quantum state of a single ion can be prepared, manipulated, and finally readout to fully determine the free energy difference in both harmonic and anharmonic potentials. Uniquely to our system, we show how an ion may be immersed in an engineered laser-field reservoir. Trapped ions therefore represent an ideal tool for investigating the Jarzynski equality in open and closed quantum systems.4 pagesen-USThis item is likely protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Unless on a Creative Commons license, for uses protected by Copyright Law, contact the copyright holder or the author.© 2008 The American Physical SocietyEmploying Trapped Cold Ions to Verify the Quantum Jarzynski EqualityText