Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials
Published on: January 26, 2014
Quantum thermal conductance of electrons in a one-dimensional wire
O Chiatti1, J T Nicholls, Y Y Proskuryakov
1Department of Physics, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
We use an electron thermometer to measure the temperature rise of approximately 2 x 10(5) electrons in a two-dimensional box, due to heat flow into the box through a ballistic one-dimensional (1D) constriction. Using a simple model we deduce the thermal conductance kappa(Vg) of the 1D constriction, which we compare to its electrical conductance characteristics; for the first four 1D subbands the heat carried by the electrons passing through the wire is proportional to its electrical conductance G(Vg). In the vicinity of the 0.7 structure this proportionality breaks down, and a plateau at the quantum of thermal conductance pi(2)k(2/B)T/3h is observed.
Related Concept Videos
Theory of Metallic Conduction
In this theory, Newton's second law of motion is used to determine the acceleration of an electron in the presence of an applied electric field. Then, its velocity is expressed via this acceleration.
An electron moves through the crystal, containing positive ions,...
Electrical Conductivity
In a practical conductor, an applied electric field may be sustained, causing a flow of electrons, which produce a current. The differential form of the current, the current density, is related to the electric field.
More generally, it is related to the force per unit charge, which involves the...
Magnetic Field Due To A Thin Straight Wire
Electric Field Inside a Conductor
Suppose a piece of metal is placed near a positive charge. The free electrons in the metal are attracted to the external positive charge and migrate freely toward that region. This region then has...
Debye–Huckel–Onsager Conductance Equation
Electric Field at the Surface of a Conductor
In the 19th century, Michael Faraday conducted the famous ice pail experiment to prove that the charges always reside on the surface of a conductor. The experimental set-up consists of a conducting uncharged container mounted on an insulating stand. The outer surface of the container is...

