Non-Hermitian Selective Thermal Emitters using Metal-Semiconductor Hybrid Resonators

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Thermodynamics
• Optics

Background:

• Open systems exchanging energy are non-Hermitian.
• Non-Hermitian physics offers unique phenomena for thermal emitters.
• Applications in sensing and energy conversion require advanced thermal emitters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate a non-Hermitian selective thermal emitter.
• To investigate the role of phase and symmetry in thermal radiation.
• To explore new pathways for controlling thermal emitters.

Main Methods:

• Experimental demonstration of a non-Hermitian selective thermal emitter.
• Utilizing phase, symmetry, chirality, and topology for engineering thermal radiation.
• Operating at high temperatures (700 °C).

Main Results:

• Achieved passive PT-symmetry in thermal emission.
• Demonstrated the effect of internal oscillator phase on far-field thermal radiation.
• Showcased control over selective thermal emission.

Conclusions:

• Non-Hermitian descriptions are crucial for understanding open systems like thermal emitters.
• Engineering thermal radiation via phase and symmetry opens new possibilities.
• Tunable selective thermal emitters have significant potential in sensing and energy conversion.