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Chiral thermoelectrics with quantum Hall edge states
Rafael Sánchez1, Björn Sothmann2, Andrew N Jordan3,4
1Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Physical Review Letters
|April 25, 2015
Summary
This study reveals a novel thermoelectric effect in quantum Hall conductors driven by chiral edge states, not spatial asymmetry. This chirality enables unique control over Seebeck and Peltier coefficients, with potential for spin-polarized currents.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Quantum phenomena
- Thermoelectricity
Background:
- Quantum Hall effect (QHE) describes unique electronic properties in 2D materials under strong magnetic fields.
- Thermoelectric effects involve converting heat gradients into electrical voltage and vice versa.
- Chirality in quantum systems refers to inherent directionality or handedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate thermoelectric properties of a three-terminal quantum Hall conductor.
- Identify the role of carrier motion chirality in thermoelectric response.
- Explore conditions for maximal asymmetry in the Onsager matrix.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of a three-terminal quantum Hall conductor.
- Examination of thermoelectric transport coefficients (Seebeck and Peltier).
- Analysis of Onsager matrix properties under magnetic fields.
Main Results:
- A novel thermoelectric contribution originating from carrier chirality, independent of spatial asymmetry, was identified.
- Maximal asymmetry in the Onsager matrix was achieved when either Seebeck or Peltier coefficients were zero.
- Reversing magnetic field direction swapped the roles of Seebeck and Peltier effects due to chiral edge states.
Conclusions:
- Chirality of quantum Hall edge states fundamentally influences thermoelectric transport.
- The findings offer new pathways for controlling thermoelectric effects in quantum devices.
- Potential for generating spin-polarized currents in quantum spin Hall systems was discussed.
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