No abstract

By coupling two nonlinear one dimensional lattices, we demonstrate a thermal diode model that works in a wide range of system parameters. We provide numerical and analytical evidence for the underlying mechanism which allows heat flux in one direction while the system acts like an insulator when the temperature gradient is reversed. The possible experimental realization in nanoscale systems is briefly discussed.

We report on the first model of a thermal transistor to control heat flow. Like its electronic counterpart, our thermal transistor is a three-terminal device with the important feature that the current through the two terminals can be controlled by small changes in the temperature or in the current through the third terminal. This control feature allows us to switch the device between "off" (insulating) and "on" (conducting) states or to amplify a small current. The thermal transistor model is possible because of the negative differential thermal resistance.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. SHortened. To appear in Applied Physics Letter

Logic gates are basic digital elements for computers. We build up thermal logic gates that can perform similar operations as their electronic counterparts. The thermal logic gates are based on nonlinear lattices, which exhibit very intriguing phenomena due to their temperature dependent power spectra. We demonstrate that phonons, the heat carriers, can also be used to carry information and processed accordingly. The possibility of nanoscale experiments is discussed.