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

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 an 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.

Automated summary

The Thomson effect can induce heat release or absorption in conductors when a charge current and a temperature gradient are simultaneously applied. In this study, we investigate the temperature distribution due to the Thomson-effect-induced heat release/absorption in junctionless single conductors, which can act as a temperature modulator. We also analyze the temperature distribution in realistic conductors. Our findings show that for conductors with a large Thomson coefficient, the temperature derivative of the Seebeck coefficient and the Thomson-effect-induced heat absorption can overcome Joule heating, resulting in current-induced cooling in the bulk region. We also demonstrate the feedback effect of the Thomson effect, which stabilizes the system temperature to one side of the heat bath, indicating the dependence of the Thomson effect on position and local temperature gradient. This work lays the foundation for thermal management utilizing the Thomson effect.