Nonreciprocity and thermoelectric performance in a double-dot Aharonov–Bohm interferometer

Abstract

We investigate nonreciprocity and thermoelectric performance beyond the linear response regime in a double-dot Aharonov–Bohm interferometer that is connected to three reservoirs. In the presence of a magnetic flux (broken time-reversal symmetry), we find that the difference between the forward and reverse particle currents can reach the order of 10% under certain conditions. We also show that when the temperature gradient is reversed, the thermoelectric efficiency and output power both change; however, the discrepancies are minimal. Indeed, although breaking time-reversal symmetry can enhance the maximum efficiency, it reduces the maximum power in the present model. These results could be useful for the design of nanoscale thermoelectric devices.