Fig. 4: The unidirectional response of micro-channel TMLM thermal switches.
From: Thermomagnetic liquid metal switches with fast bidirectional response
a Schematic illustration of the working principle of micro-channel TMLM thermal switch. b Experimental demonstration of TMLM-20% droplet detach and recovery the attraction of magnet during heating and cooling. Two different heating methods are used: contact convection heating and non-contact laser heating. c Experimental demonstration of two unidirectional response modes of TMLM thermal switch. d Comparison of response time t1 of TMLM thermal switch with those of reported different types of thermal switches. The inset shows t1 of TMLM-20% droplet in two sizes of glass tubes as a function of hot source temperature. Error bars indicate maximum and minimum values. e Simulated temperature of a TMLM-20% droplet falling during heating. f The simulation results of the average temperature, magnetic flux density, and drop speed of TMLM-20% droplet as functions of time during heating, hot source = 85 °C. (Source data are provided as a Source Data file).
