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  • Open Access

Thermoelectric Conduction in General Relativity: A Causal, Stable, and Well-Posed Theory

L. Gavassino

  • Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 121402 – Published 24 March, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/b2k6-thdy

Abstract

We present a covariantly stable first-order framework for describing charge and heat transport in isotropic rigid media embedded in curved spacetime. Working in the Lorenz gauge, we show that the associated initial value problem is both causal and locally well posed in the fully nonlinear regime. We then apply such framework to explore a range of gravitothermoelectric effects in metals undergoing relativistic acceleration. These include (1) the separation of charge through acceleration, (2) the nonuniformity of Joule heating across accelerating circuits due to time dilation, and (3) the effect of redshift on magnetic diffusion. As an astrophysical application, we derive a relativistic Thomas-Fermi equation governing the charge distribution inside a compact object, also accounting for Seebeck charge displacements driven by cooling.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 121402– Published 24 March, 2026
  • Received 8 October 2025
  • Accepted 9 March 2026
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