Hybrid normal-superconducting Aharonov-Bohm quantum thermal device

Abstract

Abstract We propose and theoretically investigate the behavior of a ballistic Aharonov-Bohm (AB) ring when embedded in a N-S two-terminal setup, consisting of a normal metal (N) and superconducting (S) leads. This device is based on available current technologies and we show in this work that it constitutes a promising hybrid quantum thermal device, as a quantum heat engine and quantum thermal rectifier. Remarkably, we evidence the interplay of single-particle quantum interferences in the AB ring and of the superconducting properties of the structure to achieve the hybrid operating mode for this quantum device. Its efficiency as a quantum heat engine reaches 55 % of the Carnot efficiency, and we predict a thermal rectification factor attaining 350%. These results make this device highly promising for future phase-coherent caloritronic nanodevices.