Thermal photonics: controlling heat and light on the nanoscale
Event details
| Date | 15.02.2018 |
| Hour | 10:15 › 11:15 |
| Speaker | Ognjen Ilic, Postdoctoral Scholar, Atwater Research Group, Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science, California Institute of Technology |
| Location | |
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
Abstract:
Thermal radiation is a fundamental phenomenon of nature. The diverse range of available thermodynamic resources offers great potential for energy, environmental, and mechanical applications. To harness these resources, the ability to control radiative thermal processes is of vital importance. In this talk, I will discuss how nanoscale photonic structures and two-dimensional material platforms can manipulate thermal electromagnetic fields in unprecedented ways. I will present the work on tailoring thermal emission by photonic elements that enable light recycling, which could lead to high efficiency lighting and heat-to-electricity energy conversion. I will also discuss the concept of nanoscale thermal switches and modulators based on the radiative heat exchange between closely separated structures that overcomes Planck’s blackbody limit. Finally, I will highlight how these ideas of nanoscale engineering of heat and light interactions extend to exciting optical-mechanical functionalities: from guiding and manipulating nano-objects to audacious space propulsion technologies based on photon pressure.
Bio: Ognjen Ilic is a postdoctoral scholar in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at Caltech, working on thermal electromagnetic and mechanical phenomena. Prior to coming to Caltech, he received his Ph.D. in Physics from MIT and his B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from Harvard University. His research interests lie at the intersection of thermo-photonics, radiative heat transfer, and nanoscale optics and mechanics.
Thermal radiation is a fundamental phenomenon of nature. The diverse range of available thermodynamic resources offers great potential for energy, environmental, and mechanical applications. To harness these resources, the ability to control radiative thermal processes is of vital importance. In this talk, I will discuss how nanoscale photonic structures and two-dimensional material platforms can manipulate thermal electromagnetic fields in unprecedented ways. I will present the work on tailoring thermal emission by photonic elements that enable light recycling, which could lead to high efficiency lighting and heat-to-electricity energy conversion. I will also discuss the concept of nanoscale thermal switches and modulators based on the radiative heat exchange between closely separated structures that overcomes Planck’s blackbody limit. Finally, I will highlight how these ideas of nanoscale engineering of heat and light interactions extend to exciting optical-mechanical functionalities: from guiding and manipulating nano-objects to audacious space propulsion technologies based on photon pressure.
Bio: Ognjen Ilic is a postdoctoral scholar in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at Caltech, working on thermal electromagnetic and mechanical phenomena. Prior to coming to Caltech, he received his Ph.D. in Physics from MIT and his B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from Harvard University. His research interests lie at the intersection of thermo-photonics, radiative heat transfer, and nanoscale optics and mechanics.
Practical information
- Informed public
- Free
Organizer
- IGM
Contact
- Prof. François Gallaire IGM - LFMI