Thermal junctions controlled with Aharonov–Bohm phases

Abstract

Unlike charge, heat flows are difficult to control. We show that, in mesoscopic conductors, electronic thermal currents can be manipulated with a magnetic field by using the Aharonov–Bohm effect: the magnetic control of the interference pattern enhances the thermoelectric effect, while heat transport can be totally suppressed. In a three-terminal configuration, the flux-induced broken reciprocity generates a nonlocal thermoelectric response and translates to the circulation of heat. This way, efficient thermoelectric generators, thermal switches, thermal circulators, and energy harvesters can be defined for minimally disturbing thermal management at the nanoscale.