Novel results obtained by modeling of dynamic processes in superconductors: phase-slip centers as cooling engines

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that phase-slip centers in superconductors can be engineered as cryocooling engines capable of reaching sub-Kelvin temperatures without helium-3, using finite element modeling of superconducting dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of phase-slip centers as cooling engines, expanding their functional potential beyond traditional superconducting phenomena.

Findings

Phase-slip centers can generate both positive and negative thermal fluxes.

Designing with thermal diodes enables PSCs to act as cryocoolers.

Sub-Kelvin cooling is achievable without helium-3 using this method.

Abstract

Based on a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau system of equations and finite element modeling, we present novel results related with the physics of phase-slippage in superconducting wires surrounded by a non-superconductive environment. These results are obtained within our previously reported approach related to superconducting rings and superconductive gravitational wave detector transducers. It is shown that the phase-slip centers (PSCs) can be effective in originating not only positive but also negative thermal fluxes. With an appropriate design utilizing thermal diodes, PSCs can serve as cryocooling engines. Operating at $T\sim 1$ K cryostat cold-finger, they can achieve sub-Kelvin temperatures without using $^3$He.