Exploring Fundamental Mechanisms of Near-Field Energy Conversion
Abstract
Near-field radiative heat transfer (NFRHT) results in a dramatic enhancement of energy flow when the spatial separation between a hot and a cold surface is less than the peak blackbody wavelength estimated from WienÕs displacement law. During the last decade, a variety of computational approaches have been used to explore NFRHT. Based on these studies, a number of novel transport phenomena and their application to power generation have been predicted. These include potentially transformative approaches for energy conversion by leveraging near-field effects in conjunction with low band-gap materials. The objective of this work is to create novel devices based on low-bandgap materials to unravel the principles underpinning novel energy conversion processes based on photon tunneling in the near-field. Towards this goal we propose to design and fabricate a series of thin-film semiconductor device structures, controlled on the nanometer scale, that will enable us to examine key materials and engineering science questions and probe power generation processes. Our team is uniquely positioned to tackle this challenging, interdisciplinary goal by seamlessly combining the materials and device expertise of Prof. ForrestÕs group in the growth of thin-film structures and two-dimensional materials, with the novel device characterization and experimental know-how for probing NFRHT in Prof. Meyhofer and Prof. ReddyÕs groups at the University of Michigan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810004
Entities
People
- Pramod Sangi Reddy
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Michigan