Nernst-like Effect in a Flexible Chain

Abstract

We investigate heat transport via a charged flexible chain in the presence of magnetic fields. We focus on the Nernst-like effect, where the average positions of particles deviate in the perpendicular direction to the heat flow. This phenomenon is induced by the nonlinear dynamics as well as nonequilibrium state. We develop a linear response formalism to derive a thermodynamic force which induces the Nernst-like effect, and show that the phenomenon is quantitatively explained. We also discuss the inverse effect, where an external ac-driving force induces finite net heat current in the homogeneous system attached to heat baths with the same temperature.