Efficient phase-tunable Josephson thermal rectifier

TL;DR

This paper proposes Josephson tunnel junctions as highly efficient, phase-tunable thermal rectifiers that leverage superconducting properties to achieve significant heat rectification and allow in-situ control.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of Josephson junctions as phase-tunable thermal rectifiers with high rectification efficiency using standard materials.

Findings

Rectification coefficients up to 800% are achievable.

Devices enable in-situ tuning of rectification magnitude and direction.

Potential for practical implementation with conventional fabrication methods.

Abstract

Josephson tunnel junctions are proposed as efficient phase-tunable thermal rectifiers. The latter exploit the strong temperature dependence of the superconducting density of states and phase-dependence of heat currents flowing through Josephson junctions to operate. Remarkably, large heat rectification coefficients up to 800% can potentially be achieved using conventional materials and standard fabrication methods. In addition, these devices allow for the in-situ fine tuning of the thermal rectification magnitude and direction.