Excitation of radiative polaritons by polarized broadband infrared radiation in thin oxide films deposited by atomic layer deposition

Abstract

This work contributes to the understanding of infrared radiation interaction with matter and its absorption for energy harvesting purposes. By exciting radiative polaritons in thin oxide films with polarized infrared radiation, a further evidence is collected that a link exists between radiative polaritons and the heat recovery mechanism hypothesized in previous research. In the voltage transient occurring when the infrared radiation is turned on, the observed time necessary to reach the maximum voltage and the voltage intensity versus angle of incidence exhibit a mismatch when generated by polarized and nonpolarized infrared radiation. The existence of collective charge oscillation modes in the semiconductor-based elements of the thermoelectric power generators supporting the heat recovery mechanism is suggested as the main source of the discrepancy.

Infrared power generation in an insulated compartment

“…In these applications, a large variety of sources, from common broadband sources to lasers, are employed to activate the bj‐PGs . Recent work describes the dependence of Δ V on the geometry of the interaction between continuous broadband (CB)‐IR radiation and a bj‐PG and on the polarization of the CB‐IR radiation .…”

Infrared and thermoelectric power generation in thin atomic layer deposited Nb-doped TiO2 films

“…These phenomena in which the Seebeck effect is violated is IR power generation. [11][12][13] The goal of the research presented here is to determine whether the violations summarized above apply in a nanometric power generator (NPG) device in which the active element is a thin TE film deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD). If the violation of the Seebeck effect applies, then voltage production is not limited by the Seebeck coefficient.…”