Heat transport at the nanoscale and ultralow temperatures—Implications for quantum technologies

Abstract

In this Perspective, we discuss thermal imbalance and the associated electron-mediated thermal transport in quantum electronic devices at very low temperatures. We first present the theoretical approaches describing heat transport in nanoscale conductors at low temperatures, in which quantum confinement and interactions play an important role. We then discuss the experimental techniques for generating and measuring heat currents and temperature gradients on the nanoscale. Eventually, we review the most important quantum effects on heat transport and discuss implications for quantum technologies and future directions in the field.