Work

Phase-Tunable Thermal Logic: Computation with Heat

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Every computation technology dissipates heat while performing logic operations; the storage and conversion of such power for independent purposes is the main goal of energy harvesting. This study proposes a logic architecture, based on two innovative quantum systems (an ultraefficient thermoelectric element and a nanoscale heat valve), that reconverts the heat generated by any source into classic logic operations. This structure provides a functionally complete logic system, with operating frequencies up to GHz levels. Finally, this thermal logic scheme could be used to design hybrid thermal-electrical computing systems of higher total energy efficiency.

Source: Physical Review Applied

DOI: 10.1103/physrevapplied.10.024003

Authors: Federico Paolucci, Giampiero Marchegiani, Elia Strambini, Francesco Giazotto

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

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: green

Funders: Regione Toscana, European Research Council