Argonne National Laboratory

Research Highlight | Materials Science

Heat waves in nanowires
In a study published in Physical Review Letters, researchers found at low temperatures, a broad range of frequencies in which in addition to the waves of density there is a second sound corresponding to the ballistic propagation of heat in the system.
Waves of alternating regions of high and low temperature propagate along the wire.

Scientific Achievement

We have developed a theory describing how heat can be transported through nanowires as a rapidly moving wave of periodically changing temperature.

Significance and Impact

This discovery offers the possibility of effective nanoscale thermal management using nanowires as heat pipes.

Research Details

  • Electrons in the wire are described as a quantum liquid, in which excitations form a gas moving at its own velocity.
  • In addition to the usual sound, the system supports a second sound—the wave of heat.

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.266801

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