Advanced Materials for Ultra-High-Temperature Photonic Devices

Optical materials that can withstand high temperature environments have been recently sought after for applications ranging from thermophotovoltaics (TPV) to color filters. Yet, the limited material options used to date in these applications substantially restrict the temperature to which they can be exposed, or constraint overall device performance (e.g. far from ideal spectral control). In this talk I will present our recent progress towards identifying and testing materials that are suitable for high-temperature photonics. First, I will provide an overview of our materials’ screening approach with >2,800 material combinations with melting point >2,000 ^oC to identify optical emitters that enable TPV with power conversion efficiency >50% . Second, we analyze the performance of SiC/AlN option, where we found this material combination to be stable up to 1,200 ^oC in air and 1,500 ^oC in inert environments, using in situ high-temperature optical measurements. Third, I will show how primary colors can be achieved by using refractory metals and their oxides, including a detailed characterization of their optical response. The material screening approach implemented here could be expanded to additional high-temperature photonic devices, such as thermal regulation ones, and barrier coatings for extreme environmental conditions.