Search

We apply the stochastic thermodynamics formalism to describe the dynamics of systems of complex Langevin and Fokker-Planck equations. We provide in particular a simple and general recipe to calculate thermodynamical currents, dissipated and propagating heat for networks of nonlinear oscillators. By using the Hodge decomposition of thermodynamical forces and fluxes, we derive a formula for entropy production that generalises the notion of non-potential forces and makes transparent the breaking of detailed balance and of time reversal symmetry for states arbitrarily far from equilibrium. Our formalism is then applied to describe the off-equilibrium thermodynamics of a few examples, notably a continuum ferromagnet, a network of classical spin-oscillators and the Frenkel-Kontorova model of nano friction.

We study irreversible processes for nonlinear oscillators networks described by complex-valued Langevin equations that account for coupling to different thermochemical baths. Dissipation is introduced via non-Hermitian terms in the Hamiltonian of the model. We apply the stochastic thermodynamics formalism to compute explicit expressions for the entropy production rates. We discuss in particular the nonequilibrium steady states of the network characterized by a constant production rate of entropy and flows of energy and particle currents. For two specific examples, a one-dimensional chain and a dimer, numerical calculations are presented. The role of asymmetric coupling among the oscillators on the entropy production is illustrated.

We show the link between U(1) lattice gauge theories and the off-equilibrium thermodynamics of a large class of nonlinear oscillators networks. The coupling between the oscillators plays the role of a gauge field, or connection, on the network. The thermodynamical forces that drive energy flows are expressed in terms of the curvature of the connection, analogous to a geometric phase. The model, which holds both close and far from equilibrium, predicts the existence of persistent energy and particle currents circulating in closed loops through the network. The predictions are confirmed by numerical simulations. Possible extension of the theory and experimental applications to nanoscale devices are briefly discussed.

We investigate numerically the magnetization dynamics of an array of nanodisks interacting through the magnetodipolar coupling. In the presence of a temperature gradient, the chain reaches a nonequilibrium steady state where energy and magnetization currents propagate. This effect can be described as the flow of energy and particle currents in an off-equilibrium discrete nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation. This model makes transparent the transport properties of the system and allows for a precise definition of temperature and chemical potential for a precessing spin. The present study proposes a setup for the spin-Seebeck effect, and shows that its qualitative features can be captured by a general oscillator-chain model.

By means of a simple theoretical model and numerical simulations, we demonstrate the presence of persistent energy currents in a lattice of classical nonlinear oscillators with uniform temperature and chemical potential. In analogy with the well-known Josephson effect, the currents are proportional to the sine of the phase differences between the oscillators. Our results elucidate general aspects of nonequilibrium thermodynamics and point towards a way to practically control transport phenomena in a large class of systems. We apply the model to describe the phase-controlled spin-wave current in a bilayer nanopillar.

Using micromagnetic simulations, we have investigated spin dynamics in a spin-valve bilayer in the presence of a thermal gradient. The direction and the intensity of the gradient allow us to excite the spin wave modes of each layer selectively. This permits us to synchronize the magnetization precession of the two layers and to rectify the flows of energy and magnetization through the system. Our study yields promising opportunities for applications in spin caloritronics and nanophononics devices.

We develop a simple theoretical framework for transport in magnetic multilayers, based on the Landauer-Buttiker scattering formalism and random matrix theory. A simple transformation allows one to go from the scattering point of view to theories expressed in terms of local currents and the electromagnetic potential. In particular, our theory can be mapped onto the well-established classical Valet-Fert theory for collinear systems. For noncollinear systems, in the absence of spin-flip scattering, our theory can be mapped onto the generalized circuit theory. We apply our theory to the angular dependence of spin accumulation and spin torque in noncollinear spin valves.