Heat meets light on the nanoscale

Abstract

We discuss the state-of-the-art and remaining challenges in the fundamental understanding and technology development for controlling light-matter interactions in nanophotonic environments in and away from thermal equilibrium. The topics covered range from the basics of the thermodynamics of light emission and absorption, to applications in solar-thermal energy generation, thermophotovoltaics, optical refrigeration, personalized cooling technologies, development of coherent incandescent light sources, and spinoptics.

46 pages, 11 figures; to appear in the special issue of Nanophotonics on 'Smart nanophotonics for renewable energy and sustainability' 2016