Thermal Boundary Resistance (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Rice University scientists trying to measure the plasmonic properties of a gold nanowire (right) found the wire heated up a bit when illuminated by a laser at room temperature, but its temperature rose far more when illuminated in ultracold conditions. The effect called thermal boundary resistance (Rbd) blocks heat deposited in the gold (Q) from being dissipated by the substrate. Credit Illustration by Pavlo Zolotavin/Rice University Usage Restrictions For news reporting purposes only. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.