Work

Electronic heat current rectification in hybrid superconducting devices

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: In this work, we review and expand recent theoretical proposals for the realization of electronic thermal diodes based on tunnel-junctions of normal metal and superconducting thin films. Starting from the basic rectifying properties of a single hybrid tunnel junction, we will show how the rectification efficiency can be largely increased by combining multiple junctions in an asymmetric chain of tunnel-coupled islands. We propose three different designs, analyzing their performance and their potential advantages. Besides being relevant from a fundamental physics point of view, this kind of devices might find important technological application as fundamental building blocks in solid-state thermal nanocircuits and in general-purpose cryogenic electronic applications requiring energy management.

Source: AIP Advances

DOI: 10.1063/1.4915899

Authors: Antonio Fornieri, María José Martínez-Pérez, Francesco Giazotto

Institutions: Scuola Normale Superiore, Istituto Nanoscienze, National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTechnology, University of Tübingen

Language: English

Topic: Superconducting and THz Device Technology

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,350

Funder: Seventh Framework Programme