Magneto-optical control and spin coupling with non-reciprocal surface waves for nanoscale thermotronics -INVITED

Abstract

Magneto-optical materials have been proposed as promising candidates for an active control of the directionality of nanoscale heat radiation. Here, we discuss the possibility to rectify nanoscale radiative heat fluxes by means of non-reciprocal surface waves and propose a nanoscale heat flux rectifier or diode which can be controlled actively by means of externally applied fields. We furthermore, reveal the spin coupling mechanism behind the observed heat flux rectification