NIMS effect: when magnetism sculpts heat

2023-12-24 17:00:00

In a new study, NIMS managed to directly observe the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect, a phenomenon that could pave the way for new functionalities for controlling thermal energy with magnetism.

Understanding the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect

The NIMS (National Institute for Materials Science) managed to directly observe the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect, a phenomenon in which heat absorption/release proportional to an applied temperature difference and charging current changes anisotropically depending on the direction of magnetization in magnetic materials.

This research is likely to lead to further development of fundamental physics and materials science related to fusion of thermoelectricity and some spintronics.

The Thomson effect has long been known as one of the fundamental thermoelectric effects in metals and semiconductors, along with the Seebeck and Peltier effects, which are the driving principles of thermoelectric conversion technologies.

Although the influence of magnetism on effets Seebeck et Peltier has been studied for many years, it has not been clarified how the Thomson effect is affected by magnetic fields and magnetism.

Schematic illustration of the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect. Credit : Ken-ichi Uchida National Institute for Materials Science

An unprecedented observation

This time, the NIMS succeeded in observing the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect in magnetic materials through more precise thermal measurements. The anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect in magnetic materials differs from the conventional magneto-Thomson effect in non-magnetic materials, and this is the first direct observation of this unexplored phenomenon.

The research team of NIMS used a thermal measurement technique called lock-in thermography to precisely measure the temperature distribution generated when a charging current is applied to a Ni95Pt5 ferromagnetic alloy while applying a temperature difference, and verified how the Thomson effect changes in depending on the direction of magnetization.

Implications et perspectives futures

This research clarified the fundamental properties of the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect and established techniques for its quantitative measurement. In the future, we will continue to explore the physics, materials and functionality of the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect to investigate the new physics caused by the interaction of heat, electricity and magnetism, and to develop applications for thermal management technologies that will help improve energy efficiency and conservation in electronic devices.

Synthetic

The successful direct observation of the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect by NIMS marks an important step in understanding the interaction between heat, electricity and magnetism. This discovery could pave the way for new applications for controlling thermal energy, helping to improve efficiency and energy conservation in electronic devices.

For a better understanding

What is the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect?

It is a phenomenon in which heat absorption/release proportional to an applied temperature difference and charging current changes anisotropically depending on the direction of magnetization in magnetic materials.

How important is this discovery?

This discovery could pave the way for new applications for controlling thermal energy, helping to improve efficiency and energy conservation in electronic devices.

What are the next steps ?

Researchers will continue to explore the physics, materials, and functionalities of the anisotropic magneto-Thomson effect to investigate new physics caused by the interaction of heat, electricity, and magnetism.