Thermoelectric Processes of Quantum Normal-Superconductor Interfaces

Superconducting interfaces have recently been demonstrated to contain a rich variety of effects that give rise to sizable thermoelectric responses and unexpected thermal properties, despite traditionally being considered poor thermoelectrics due to their intrinsic electron–hole symmetry. Different mechanisms driving this response in hybrid normal-superconducting junctions, depending on the dimensionality of the mesoscopic interface, are reviewed. In addition to discussing heat-to-power conversion, cooling, and heat transport, special emphasis is put on physical properties of hybrid devices that can be revealed by the thermoelectric effect.