Vibrationally assisted quantum energy pumps

We show that directed energy transport in a linear array of coupled quantum dots can be achieved by a coherent coupling of each dot to a single coherently driven mechanical mode. Recent work on light harvesting molecules have implicated the role of discrete mechanical modes in enhancing the energy transport through dipole arrays but say less about directed transport. The study of quantum ratchets indicates how directed energy transport is possible in quantum dot arrays. Inspired by these two apparently unrelated models we show how directed energy transport may be implemented in an engineered quantum systems using a single mechanical degree of freedom. This may have implications for nano-engineered artificial energy harvesting systems.