Thermal management and non-reciprocal control of phonon flow via optomechanics

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: Seif, Alireza, Wade DeGottardi, Esfarjani, Keivan, Hafezi, Mohammad
• Format: Paper Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 23.03.2018
• Subjects: Data processing; Information management; Nanostructured materials; Opto-mechanics; Phonons; Physics - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics; Physics - Optics; Physics - Quantum Physics; Thermal management
• ISSN: 2331-8422
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1710.08967

Engineering phonon transport in physical systems is a subject of interest in the study of materials and plays a crucial role in controlling energy and heat transfer. Of particular interest are non-reciprocal phononic systems, which in direct analogy to electric diodes, provide a directional flow of energy. Here, we propose an engineered nanostructured material, in which tunable non-reciprocal phonon transport is achieved through optomechanical coupling. Our scheme relies on breaking time-reversal symmetry by a spatially varying laser drive, which manipulates low-energy acoustic phonons. Furthermore, we take advantage of recent developments in the manipulation of high-energy phonons through controlled scattering mechanisms, such as using alloys and introducing disorder. These combined approaches allow us to design an acoustic isolator and a thermal diode. Our proposed device will have potential impact in phonon-based information processing, and heat management in low temperatures.