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arXiv · 1403.3052

Rectification of electronic heat current by a hybrid thermal diode

M. J. Martínez-Pérez·A. Fornieri·F. Giazotto
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Abstract

We report the realization of an ultra-efficient low-temperature hybrid heat current rectifier, thermal counterpart of the well-known electric diode. Our design is based on a tunnel junction between two different elements: a normal metal and a superconducting island. Electronic heat current asymmetry in the structure arises from large mismatch between the thermal properties of these two. We demonstrate experimentally temperature differences exceeding $60$ mK between the forward and reverse thermal bias configurations. Our device offers a remarkably large heat rectification ratio up to $\sim 140$ and allows its prompt implementation in true solid-state thermal nanocircuits and general-purpose electronic applications requiring energy harvesting or thermal management and isolation at the nanoscale.

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M. J. Martínez-Pérez, A. Fornieri, F. Giazotto. 2015-01-25. Rectification of electronic heat current by a hybrid thermal diode. https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2015.11

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