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We study how nanostructured materials interact with infrared thermal radiation, or “thermal light,” designing them to control and tune thermal emission for applications in energy harvesting, infrared detection, and thermal camouflage. A central thrust is active metasurfaces, engineered materials whose radiative properties can be modulated in real time.

We also work on classical thermal systems, including HVAC, thermal management, and building energy efficiency.

Rendering of a nanophotonic metasurface emitting a helical beam of light

Nanophotonic control of thermal radiation

Metasurfaces and nanostructures that tune infrared thermal emission.
Thermophotovoltaic system schematic: a heat source, selective absorber, tungsten layer, and thermal emitter delivering radiation to a photovoltaic cell with voltage output

Energy harvesting and thermal management

Thermophotovoltaics, selective emitters, and radiative cooling.
Building cutaway showing HVAC airflow, insulation, and a heat pump

Classical thermal systems and HVAC

HVAC, thermal management, and building energy efficiency.

Recent News

: Nahidul Islam Shadin successfully defended his MS thesis, “Reversible Symmetry Breaking of Tunable Directional Thermal Emission in VO2-SRO Gratings.” Congratulations, Nahidul.

: Jacob Thomas successfully defended his MS thesis, “A Viable Alternative to Manual J: Residential Load Calculation for Sizing an HVAC System in Residential Buildings.” Congratulations, Jacob.

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