Classical to quantum transition of heat transfer between two silica clusters

Phys Rev Lett. 2014 Mar 21;112(11):114301. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.112.114301. Epub 2014 Mar 19.

Abstract

Heat transfer between two silica clusters is investigated by using the nonequilibrium Green's function method. In the gap range between 4 Å and 3 times the cluster size, the thermal conductance decreases as predicted by the surface charge-charge interaction. Above 5 times the cluster size, the volume dipole-dipole interaction predominates. Finally, when the distance becomes smaller than 4 Å, a quantum interaction where the electrons of both clusters are shared takes place. This quantum interaction leads to the dramatic increase of the thermal coupling between neighbor clusters due to strong interactions. This study finally provides a description of the transition between radiation and heat conduction in gaps smaller than a few nanometers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Energy Transfer
  • Hot Temperature
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Quantum Theory*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Silicon Dioxide