摘要

We exploit the unique properties of optical waves in nanophotonic structures to enhance the capabilities for active control of electromagnetic thermal transfer at nanoscale. We show that the near-field thermal transfer between two nanospheres can exhibit a thermal rectification effect with very high contrast and large operating bandwidth. In this system, the scale invariance properties of the resonance modes result in a large difference in the coupling constants between relevant modes in the forward and reverse scenarios. Such a difference provides a mechanism for thermal rectification. The two-sphere system can also exhibit negative differential thermal conductance.

  • 出版日期2013-11-4