Reversible thermal diode and energy harvester with a superconducting quantum interference single-electron transistor

Abstract

The density of states of proximitized normal nanowires interrupting superconducting rings can be tuned by the magnetic flux piercing the loop. Using these as the contacts of a single-electron transistor allows us to control the energetic mirror asymmetry of the conductor, thus introducing rectification properties. In particular, we show that the system works as a diode that rectifies both charge and heat currents and whose polarity can be reversed by the magnetic field and a gate voltage. We emphasize the role of dissipation at the island. The coupling to substrate phonons enhances the effect and furthermore introduces a channel for phase tunable conversion of heat exchanged with the environment into electrical current.