Absolute Absorption Spectroscopy of Individual Nanostructures in the Infrared
Abstract
Approved for public release.All objects can scatter, absorb, and even emit light at various wavelengths, yet these processes are fun,damentally different for nanometer-sized objects. Their interactions with light depend greatly on the object s size, shape, orientat,ion, and material properties, which can be precisely tuned to control light in ways that are not otherwise possible. A major missing, link in this emerging field is an experimental technique to characterize the amount of light absorbed by such objects for wavelengt,hs in the infrared. As a result, their infrared absorption properties remain poorly understood. In this proposal, a technique will b,e developed to quantitatively measure the absorption of individual nanostructures in the infrared for the first time. In principle,,this capability will be achieved by detecting the amount by which the nanostructure heats up when it is exposed to an infrared light, source. The proposed approach involves combining a wavelength-tunable infrared source and a precision calorimeter, which is a devic,e for measuring heat flows. Detecting the heating of individual nanostructures is extremely challenging, but the PI has the technica,l expertise and access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to overcome these challenges. Ultimately, the proposed measurement,capability is important because the infrared absorption properties of nanostructures are fundamental to understanding thermal radiat,ion and radiative heat transfer. The PI will leverage the proposed technique to investigate the limits of the classical laws of ther,mal radiation that are over a hundred years old, but which are not expected to remain valid at the nanoscale. These physical insight,s will unlock various technologies where the control of thermal radiation is key. Examples include novel devices for infrared detect,ion and cloaking, which could have a transformative impact on the field of remote sensing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212046
Entities
People
- Dakotah Thompson
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Wisconsin System