Enhancement or suppression of the near-field radiative heat transfer between two materials

Control of near-field radiative heat transfer is significant due to its practical applications. We propose an approach to control near-field thermal radiation between two closely spaced bodies by inserting a suspended thin film. Numerical simulations are carried out for different material combinations of doped silicon and aluminum (Al). Investigation showed that the heat flux between the two bodies can be either enhanced or suppressed depending on the film insert's material. The heat flux magnitude can be further influenced by the film position and thickness. These results differ from the classic far-field radiative heat transfer.