NANO-THERMAL

MANIPULATION
Seth Roberts
ENGR 1050-001: Introduction to
Nanotechnology

Research Objectives

How does heat transfer on the nanoscale

(Study of Nano-Thermodynamics)

How can we manipulate this transfer to our

advantage

(Conversion of heat to electrical energy)

(Reduction of free heat energy in Nano systems)

Radiative heat transfer at nanoscale distances, has been especially

challenging to achieve because of the difficulty in maintaining thermal
gradients while avoiding heat transfer mechanisms like conduction.

Approaching Control

Scientists at the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied

Science have approached this concept by demonstrating near-field
radiative heat transfer between parallel SiC (silicon carbide) Nano
beams.

These Nano beams were aligned parallel to each other and had different
temperatures.

The Nano beams were separated by distances smaller than 100

nanometers. (Achieving a minimum 42nm distance)

They were able to demonstrate that heat transfer can be made 100 times
stronger than has been previously predicted.

Video of the high-precision micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) used

to control the distance between two beams at different temperatures. The
video is taken under a high magnification microscope. The whole video
frame dimension is comparable to the diameter of a strand of human hair.

Photo Retrieved from:

http://engineering.columbia.edu/heat-and-light-get-larger-nanoscale

This is a schematic of two beams at different temperatures exchanging heat using light. In the situation when the beams are far
from each other (left), heat transfer resulting from thermal radiation is small. When the beams are brought very close from
each other (right) heat transfer becomes almost 100 times larger than predicted by conventional thermal radiation laws.
Credit: Raphael St-Gelais, Lipson Nanophotonics Group, Columbia Engineering

Fundamental Science Concept

Nano vs. Bulk
Nanoscale materials have a higher surface to volume ratio then bulk
materials.
Concept example:
Imagine a sphere has a constant inner temperature the rate at which it
dissipates this energy at its surface is dependent on the surface area.

Concept continued

If the sphere is continually shrunk down to the nanoscale it will

eventually have a higher surface area dissipation rate then if it were on
the bulk scale. This conceptual example shows that particles on the
nanoscale radiate energy far more quickly than their bulk counterparts

Future Plans

Control heat in Nano systems

(Reduce free heat energy in a Nano system)

Convert heat energy to electrical energy

(This will have major benefits to all facets of technology)

References

Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science. (2016,

March 31). Heat and light get larger at the nanoscale: Scientists
demonstrate a strong, non-contact heat transfer channel using light with
performances that could lead to high efficiency electricity generation.
ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 5, 2016 from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160331134411.htm

http://engineering.columbia.edu/heat-and-light-get-larger-nanoscale