A collaboration between researchers from the University of Groningen and the FOM Foundation has led to the development of a nano-heat sink that can be turned on and off via a magnetic field.
The nanokoeling works on the basis of the Peltier effect by elektronenspin is affected. The Peltier effect is known in the consumer market and is used for processorkoeling. Just as with a Peltier-element is a current through different materials you sent. In the nano-heat sinks, however, the spin of the electrons that the Peltier effect causes. By making use of magnetic materials, the spin of the electrons to influence.
The researchers demonstrated a flow of current through three layers of material; a non-magnetic metal between two magnetic metals clamped. On the cutting edge of the metal, each with its own Peltier coefficient, creates a temperature difference. The researchers knew this temperature switchable by the spin of the electrons in the metal to manipulate. This allows the nano-element on and off.
They did that by the spin using magnetism to adapt. With the elektronenspin the one hand, on the boundary between the metal heats up and with the spin to the other side is cooled. The magnetically switchable cooling would can be used to nano-electronics cooling, according to the researchers, who published in Nature.
