Recent advancements in the manipulation of thermal radiation have emerged from groundbreaking research led by Jose Ordonez-Miranda at the LIMMS, CNRS-IIS IRL 2820, The University of Tokyo. This study, published in ‘Discover Nano’, showcases how subwavelength conical membranes made of silicon nitride can significantly enhance thermal radiation properties, presenting new opportunities for the construction industry.
The research centers around the concept of surface phonon-polaritons, which are quasiparticles arising from the coupling of photons and phonons. By employing these membranes, the team found that thermal conductance could be enhanced by three orders of magnitude beyond the conventional blackbody limit. “This unprecedented control over thermal radiation opens up new avenues for energy management and harvesting, particularly in construction materials,” Ordonez-Miranda noted.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this study is the non-monotonic relationship between thermal conductance and the geometry of the membranes. The research highlights a unique “radiation plateau” that occurs with smaller front widths, where the effects of polariton focusing and radiative area competition create optimal conditions for thermal conductance. This finding suggests that architectural designs can be tailored to maximize energy efficiency, a critical factor as the construction sector increasingly focuses on sustainability and reducing energy consumption.
The implications of this research are profound. As buildings evolve into smart structures with integrated energy systems, the ability to fine-tune thermal radiation could lead to materials that not only insulate better but also actively manage heat. This could revolutionize HVAC systems, making them more efficient and responsive to environmental changes.
In a world where energy costs are rising and climate considerations are paramount, the potential applications of this technology could be transformative. From energy-efficient windows to advanced insulation materials, the construction sector stands on the brink of a thermal management revolution.
For more insights from this research, visit LIMMS, CNRS-IIS IRL 2820, The University of Tokyo.
