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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:28
Evolution of Staircase Structures in Diffusive Convection
Published on: September 5, 2018
Dynamically adjustable topological edge states in thermal diffusion-advection system
Quan Liu1, Zhaochen Wang1, Maojin Zeng2
1School of Energy and Power Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
Fundamental Research
|August 1, 2026
Summary
We introduce dynamically adjustable topological edge states in thermal diffusion-advection systems. This extends topological concepts beyond pure conduction, enabling novel thermal management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Thermodynamics
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Topological edge states are well-established in wave and condensed matter systems.
- Recent extensions to thermal diffusion systems are limited to pure conduction.
- Thermal advection has not been incorporated into topological thermal studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend topological edge states to diffusion-advection dynamics.
- To investigate dynamically adjustable topological states in thermal systems.
- To explore the impact of advection on thermal properties.
Main Methods:
- Derivation of the governing Hamiltonian for a thermal lattice with diffusion and advection.
- Analysis of non-Hermitian eigenvalues (diffusion rate and advection rate).
- Observation and comparative analysis of bulk and edge states.
Main Results:
- Emergence of topological edge states in the band gap of bulk states.
- Demonstration of dynamically adjustable topological states influenced by advection coefficients.
- Identification of unique thermal properties conferred by the advection term.
Conclusions:
- Topological edge states can be realized in diffusion-advection systems.
- Thermal advection introduces dynamically adjustable topological properties.
- This work offers new avenues for thermal management and protection applications.
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