Work

Bloch surface waves mediated enhancement of nonreciprocal thermal radiation for mid-infrared atmospheric windows

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Nonreciprocal thermal radiation (NTR) has received considerable research interest due to its great potential in various fields, including energy harvesting, thermal management, and even radiative cooling. Realizing a tunable nonreciprocal thermal emitter (NTE) with strong magnitude in mid-infrared (mid-IR) atmospheric window is a fundamental yet challenging task, particularly overcoming the limitations of external magnetic fields. Here, we propose a NTE based on Bloch surface waves (BSWs), engineered to leverage nonreciprocity for controlled and directional thermal radiation. This novel emitter is operated by exciting BSWs on the surface of a prism-coupled multilayer structure, enabling precise manipulation of thermal emission at specific wavelengths and angles. By tailoring the geometric parameters, the emitter achieves strong NTR, breaking the conventional symmetry of heat transfer. Our strategy represents a novel approach to directional thermal radiation, merging the advanced control capabilities of BSWs with nonreciprocal properties achieved through WSM. This combination paves the way for enhancing the potential in thermal management system and energy-harvesting technology.

Source: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2025.107107

Authors: Qi Fang, Xin Cui, Liming Qian, Jingfei Ye, Gaige Zheng

Institution: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,620

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China