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.
Highlights
A thermal rectifier[1,2,3] can be defined as a device that connects asymmetrically two thermal reservoirs: the heat current transmitted through the diode depends on the sign of the temperature bias imposed to the reservoirs
A highly efficient thermal diode should provide differences of at least one order of magnitude between the heat current transmitted in the forward temperature-bias configuration, Jfw, and that generated upon temperature bias reversal, Jrev
This design can be used in a NINISIN chain, which offers the opportunity to boost the performance of a single NIS junction and to overcome the fabrication complexity imposed by the high resistance asymmetry required in a NININ chain
Summary
A thermal rectifier[1,2,3] can be defined as a device that connects asymmetrically two thermal reservoirs: the heat current transmitted through the diode depends on the sign of the temperature bias imposed to the reservoirs. A highly efficient thermal diode should provide differences of at least one order of magnitude between the heat current transmitted in the forward temperature-bias configuration, Jfw, and that generated upon temperature bias reversal, Jrev. This is equivalent to say that the rectification efficiency. We will analyze possible improvements of the rectification efficiency when these structures are combined together forming an asymmetric chain of tunnel-coupled islands.[30,31] In particular, as we shall argue, an asymmetric coupling to the phonon bath can strongly enhance the efficiency of the device, providing outstanding values of R with realistic parameters. The latter mechanism has been experimentally demonstrated in a hybrid device exhibiting a maximum rectification efficiency of ∼ 140.31
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