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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials

Published on: January 26, 2014

Reciprocity of thermal diffusion in time-modulated systems.

Jiaxin Li^1,2, Ying Li^3,4,5, Pei-Chao Cao⁶

¹Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore.

Nature Communications

|January 11, 2022

Summary

Thermal reciprocity is generally preserved even in time-modulated materials, contrary to common belief. This study clarifies heat transfer symmetry constraints, differing from other transport phenomena.

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Last Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials

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Published on: January 26, 2014

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Area of Science:

Physics
Thermodynamics
Materials Science

Background:

The reciprocity principle describes symmetry in wave transmission and diffusion processes.
Time-modulated materials have shown promise in breaking reciprocity for light, sound, and charge.
Breaking thermal reciprocity using time modulation is a subject of ongoing research and debate.

Purpose of the Study:

To theoretically investigate and experimentally verify the preservation of thermal reciprocity in time-modulated materials.
To address misconceptions regarding the breaking of thermal reciprocity.
To clarify the fundamental differences between thermal diffusion and other transport processes concerning reciprocity.

Main Methods:

Development of a theoretical framework for diffusive processes in time-modulated materials.
Mathematical proof demonstrating the preservation of thermal reciprocity via the continuity equation.
Experimental validation using a time-modulated device to measure heat transfer.

Main Results:

Thermal reciprocity is generally preserved in dynamic materials due to the continuity equation.
Time modulation does not inherently break thermal reciprocity, unlike in other transport phenomena.
Experimental results confirm reciprocal heat transfer in a time-modulated system.

Conclusions:

The study corrects the perception that time modulation can break thermal reciprocity.
It highlights the robust nature of symmetry constraints in heat transfer.
The findings emphasize the unique characteristics of thermal diffusion compared to other transport processes regarding reciprocity.