Since the late 19th century, scientists have understood that, when heated, all materials emit light in a predictable spectrum of wavelengths. Research published today in Nature Scientific Reports presents a material that emits light when heated that appears to exceed the limits set by that natural law.
Shawn-Yu Lin, professor of physics, applied physics, and astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has built a nanostructure whose crystal lattice bends light as it enters the material and directs it in a path parallel to the surface, known as “parallel to interface refraction.”
Nanophotonics expert and physics professor Shawn-Yu Lin will receive a 2016 IEEE award for his role in discovering the darkest nano-material on Earth.
Troy, N.Y. - Nano-photonics expert and physics professor Shawn-Yu Lin has discovered a new type of thermal radiation—in between the two extremes of blackbody radiation and laser light—that could contribute to a cheaper, easier solution for converting sunlight to electricity.
Nano-photonics expert Lin was cited by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for “pioneering and developing photonic crystals.”