Physics breakthrough: 174-year-old Thomson effect theory proven in real experiment

Japanese researchers have observed the transverse Thomson effect for the first time, proving a 174-year-old theory. This thermoelectric phenomenon allows control of heating and cooling flows by changing the magnetic field direction. Using a bismuth-antimony alloy and infrared imaging, the team isolated the effect from competing thermal processes. The discovery could lead to new thermal management technologies, potentially enabling devices that switch between heating and cooling by altering the magnetic field rather than using separate units or reversing current.