By coupling two nonlinear one dimensional lattices, we demonstrate a thermal diode model that works in a wide range of system parameters. We provide numerical and analytical evidence for the underlying mechanism which allows heat flux in one direction while the system acts like an insulator when the temperature gradient is reversed. The possible experimental realization in nano scale systems is briefly discussed.
@article{arxiv.cond-mat/0407093,
title = {Thermal diode: Rectification of heat flux},
author = {Baowen Li and Lei Wang and Giulio Casati},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cond-mat/0407093},
year = {2009}
}