Perspective on Near-Field Radiative Heat Transfer

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent theoretical and experimental advances in near-field radiative heat transfer, emphasizing its potential for applications like energy conversion and the challenges with emerging materials.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of progress in modeling, measurement, and tailoring near-field heat transfer, highlighting new opportunities and challenges in the field.

Findings

Advances in computational electromagnetics enable complex simulations.

High-precision measurements have validated theoretical models.

Emerging materials offer new avenues for enhancing near-field heat transfer.

Abstract

Although near-field radiative heat transfer was introduced in the 1950's, interest in the field has recently revived, as the effect promises improved performance in various applications where contactless temperature regulation in the small-scale is a requirement. With progress in computational electromagnetics as well as in nanoinstrumentation, it has become possible to simulate the effect in complex configurations and to measure it with high precision. In this Perspective, we highlight key theoretical and experimental advances in the field, and we discuss important developments in tailoring and enhancing near-field thermal emission and heat transfer. We discuss opportunities in heat-to-electricity energy conversion with thermophotovoltaic systems, as well as non-reciprocal heat transfer, as two of many recent focus topics in the field. Finally, we highlight key experimental challenges and opportunities with emerging materials, for probing near-field heat transfer for relevant technologies in the large-scale.