Small Grant for Exploratory Research: Heat Transport in Nanometer - Scale Solid Structures

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The primary goal of this project is to develop a general and fundamental theory of heat conduction in nanometer-scale solid structures. Existing theories for heat conduction in bulk solids are inadequate for that in nanostructures. With current trends towards manufacturing nanometer-scale devices, there is a compelling need for developing a theory for heat transport at these scales. This will be achieved by using analogies between heat conduction by electrons and phonons and radiative transfer by photons or electromagnetic waves. The final goal is to unify the theories of heat conduction and radiation in solids. The results of this project could have a strong impact on the role of heat transfer in nanotechnology. The topic and the approach described here are new and, as in any new research venture, the initial stages will be exploratory and involve risks. Therefore an SGER grant is appropriate to support this project.