Spin-Nernst effect
The Spin-Nernst effect is a quantum mechanical effect that can be seen in analogy to the classic Nernst effect . If there is a temperature difference along a thin strip, electrons are deflected transversely to the heat flow, depending on the orientation of their spin in opposite directions. The main differences to the classic Nernst effect include:
- Instead of a charge current, a spin current flows . The two opposing cross-sectional areas are therefore z. B. oppositely spin-polarized.
- No external magnetic field is required. The effect arises from spin-orbit coupling between the intrinsic spin of the electron and the magnetic field, which is generated by its movement relative to the ion lattice of the solid.
The effect is analogous to the Spin Hall Effect , in which a transverse spin current is created when an electrical current flows. Since the electrons move in the direction of the heat flow with the Spin-Nernst effect, but with the Spin-Hall effect (by definition) against the direction of the electrical current, the resulting spin current also points in the opposite direction.
The effect was proven in 2017.
Individual evidence
- ^ S. Meyer et al .: Observation of the spin Nernst effect. In: Nature Materials Letters. September 11, 2017, accessed October 10, 2017 .
- ↑ Electrons heat up in first observation of spin Nernst effect. In: Physics World. September 12, 2017, accessed October 12, 2017 .