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.
Titolo: | Electronic heat current rectification in hybrid superconducting devices |
Autori: | |
Data di pubblicazione: | 2015 |
Rivista: | |
Parole Chiave: | Superconductivity, Mesoscopic Physics, Nanotechnology, Heat Transport, Heat Diode |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4915899 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 1.1 Articolo in rivista |