High-temperature nanophotonics from theory to real devices and systems

Abstract

For years, progress in the field of optical (including solar) energy transformation was dominated by the advances in the conventional concentrating optics and materials design. In recent years, however, conceptual and technological breakthroughs in the fields of nanophotonics and plasmonics combined with a better understanding of the thermodynamics of the photon energy conversion processes reshaped the landscape of energy-conversion schemes and devices. Nanostructured devices and materials that make usage of the size quantization effects to manipulate photon density of states offer a way to overcome the conventional light absorption limits. Novel optical spectrum splitting and photon-recycling schemes reduce the entropy production in the optical energy-conversion platforms and boost their efficiencies. Optical design concepts are quickly expanding into the infrared energy band, offering new approaches to harvest waste heat, to reduce the thermal emissionn losses, and to achieve noncontact radiative cooling of solar cells as well as of optical and electronic circuitries. Light–matter contact enabled by nanophotonics and plasmonics underlienes the performance of the third- and fourth-generation energy-conversion devices, including here and there transformation of photon energy, near-field radiative energy transfer, and hot electron generation and harvesting. Finally, the increased market penetration of alternative solar energy-conversion technologies amplifies the role of cost driven and environmental considerations.