Researchers at the University of Manchester’s National Graphene Institute have collaborated with an international team to develop a groundbreaking method for controlling thermal emission, as detailed in a recent paper published in Science. This innovative approach goes beyond traditional materials and holds significant potential for thermal management and camouflage technologies.
The team, which includes researchers from the Penn State College of Engineering, Koc University in Turkey, and Vienna University of Technology in Austria, has created a unique interface that can localize thermal emissions from surfaces with different geometric properties, resulting in a highly efficient thermal emitter. This platform enables the emission of thermal light from specific areas with exceptional emissivity.
Professor Coskun Kocabas, an expert in 2D device materials at The University of Manchester, highlights the use of concepts from topology and non-Hermitian photonics in developing these thermal devices. The team’s work opens up new possibilities for thermal photonic applications, allowing for improved control and detection of thermal emission.
One potential application of this technology is in satellites, where the interface could facilitate the emission of absorbed radiation with high emissivity along designated areas. This capability is crucial for satellites exposed to intense heat and light, as it allows for precise control over thermal emission patterns.
According to co-author Prof Sahin Ozdemir from Penn State, achieving a perfect absorber-emitter at the interface while keeping the surrounding structures cold presented a significant challenge. The team overcame this obstacle by leveraging an optical cavity formed by partially reflecting and completely reflecting mirrors to trap light at a desired frequency, resulting in a highly efficient thermal emitter.
This research represents a significant advancement in the field of thermal emission control and has the potential to revolutionize various applications, from thermal management in space technology to advanced camouflage techniques. The team’s interdisciplinary approach and innovative strategies mark a new chapter in the study of thermal photonics and its practical implications.
