Observation of the Magneto-Thomson Effect

Area of Science:

• Condensed matter physics
• Materials science
• Thermoelectricity

Background:

• The Thomson effect describes heat generation or absorption due to electric current in a conductor.
• Thermoelectric conversion harnesses temperature differences to generate electricity or vice versa.
• Magnetothermoelectric effects explore the interplay between magnetic fields and thermoelectric phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To observe and characterize higher-order thermoelectric conversion.
• To investigate the magneto-Thomson effect in a polycrystalline Bi$_{88}$Sb$_{12}$ alloy.
• To explore the potential of nonlinear spin caloritronics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized thermoelectric imaging techniques to directly observe temperature changes.
• Applied a magnetic field to a polycrystalline Bi$_{88}$Sb$_{12}$ alloy.
• Measured the Thomson and Seebeck coefficients under magnetic field conditions.

Main Results:

• Directly observed temperature changes induced by the Thomson effect under a magnetic field.
• Found that the magnetically enhanced Thomson coefficient is comparable to or exceeds the Seebeck coefficient.
• Demonstrated a significant contribution of higher-order magnetothermoelectric conversion.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the importance of higher-order magnetothermoelectric effects.
• The findings open new avenues for research in nonlinear spin caloritronics.
• This work provides a foundation for developing advanced thermoelectric devices.