An imaginary axis for real thermal light sources

Gururaj V. Naik; Ciril S. Prasad

doi:10.1117/12.2677476

4 October 2023 An imaginary axis for real thermal light sources

Gururaj V. Naik, Ciril S. Prasad

Proceedings Volume PC12647, Active Photonic Platforms (APP) 2023; PC1264718 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2677476
Event: SPIE Nanoscience + Engineering, 2023, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Conventional optical devices use geometry and refractive index of materials as design tools. The real part of the refractive index is often the only significant part used in designs. But, the imaginary index is also an equally important design parameter. Here, we demonstrate a novel thermal light source using the imaginary refractive index as a design parameter. Employing non-Hermitian physics, we demonstrate a directional thermal emitter that suppresses thermal emission on one side of the metasurface in a desired spectral window for enhancing thermal imaging through it. In another case, we build an extremely spectrally selective thermal emitter for thermophotovoltaic conversion of heat to electricity. We demonstrate that the non-Hermitian thermal emitter greatly enhances conversion efficiency.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Gururaj V. Naik and Ciril S. Prasad "An imaginary axis for real thermal light sources", Proc. SPIE PC12647, Active Photonic Platforms (APP) 2023, PC1264718 (4 October 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2677476

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