Termomagnetics

Termomagnetics refers to the interaction between thermal and magnetic phenomena in materials. This broad field encompasses several related effects that arise when temperature gradients are applied to magnetic materials, or when magnetic fields influence the temperature distribution.

One key effect is the Nernst effect, where a temperature gradient perpendicular to an applied magnetic field induces an electric current. Conversely, the Ettinghausen effect describes the generation of a temperature gradient across a conductor by an electric current flowing in the presence of a magnetic field.

Another important area is thermomagnetic cooling. This technology utilizes materials that exhibit significant magnetocaloric effects, where their temperature changes upon exposure to a changing magnetic field. By cycling these materials in and out of magnetic fields, heat can be pumped from a colder region to a warmer one, providing a cooling mechanism without the use of traditional refrigerants.

Magnetocaloric materials are often intermetallic compounds containing rare earth elements like gadolinium. The efficiency of thermomagnetic cooling depends on the material's properties, the strength of the magnetic field, and the design of the cooling device. Research in termomagnetics is driven by the potential for developing more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies.