Temperature profile of the Thomson-effect-induced heat release/absorption in junctionless single conductors

TL;DR

This paper theoretically analyzes the temperature profile caused by the Thomson effect in junctionless conductors, revealing conditions for current-induced cooling and system stabilization, with implications for thermal management.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical framework for understanding the Thomson effect in conductors and demonstrates potential for thermal regulation using this phenomenon.

Findings

Thomson-effect-induced heat absorption can surpass Joule heating in certain conductors.

System temperature stabilizes due to feedback from the Thomson effect.

Potential application in thermal management and temperature control.

Abstract

The Thomson effect induces heat release or absorption under the simultaneous application of a charge current and a temperature gradient to conductors. Here, we theoretically investigate the temperature profile due to the Thomson-effect-induced heat release/absorption in junctionless single conductors which can be a simple temperature modulator. We also perform analysis of the temperature profile for realistic conductors. As a result, we find that, for a conductor with a large Thomson coefficient, the temperature derivative of the Seebeck coefficient, the Thomson-effect-induced heat absorption overcomes the Joule heating, resulting in current-induced cooling in the bulk region. We also elucidate that a feedback effect of the Thomson effect stabilizes the system temperature to one-side of the heat bath, which reflects the fact that the Thomson effect is dependent on the position and proportional to the local temperature gradient. This work will be the basis for thermal management utilizing the Thomson effect.