A simple radiative thermal diode

Abstract: We present a thermal rectification device concept based on far-field radiative exchange between two selective emitters. Rectification is achieved due to the fact that one of the selective emitters radiative properties are independent on temperature whereas the other emitter properties are strongly temperature dependent. A simple device constituted by two multilayer samples made of metallic (Au) and semiconductor (Si and HDSi) thin films is proposed. This device shows a rectification up to 70% with a temperature difference \Delta T = 200 K, a rectification ratio that has never been achieved so far with radiation-based rectifiers. Further optimization would allow larger rectification values. Presented results might be useful for energy conversion devices, smart radiative coolers / insulators engineering and thermal modulators development.