Transformational fluctuation electrodynamics: application to thermal radiation illusion

Area of Science:

• Optics and electromagnetism
• Thermal physics
• Metamaterials and transformation optics

Background:

• All objects above 0K emit thermal radiation, creating unique signatures for detection.
• Controlling these signatures is challenging but desirable for applications like cloaking or enhanced sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply transformation optics to thermal radiation for creating electromagnetic illusions.
• To control and mimic the thermal radiation signature of an object.

Main Methods:

• Utilized transformation optics theory applied to thermal radiation problems.
• Derived conditions based on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem and space transformations.
• Emphasized the invariance of fluctuation electrodynamics under transformation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that objects in virtual and physical spaces can share identical thermal radiation signatures.
• Showcased the feasibility of mimicking thermal radiation through controlled electromagnetic properties.
• Validated the concept with a two-dimensional illusion paradigm and numerical calculations.

Conclusions:

• Transformation optics provides a pathway to manipulate thermal radiation signatures.
• Electromagnetic illusions in thermal radiation are achievable by controlling material properties.
• The developed technique offers potential for advanced thermal management and detection strategies.