Nano-scale heat transfer

Part I: Fundamentals (8 weeks)

In the first part of the course we introduce the basic theory to understand heat transfer and energy conversion from a microscopic perspective. In particular, we will derive classical laws (i.e. Fourier's law, Ohm's law) from this microscopic perspective in oder to understand their limit of validity.

1. Energy states

• From classical to quantum harmonic oscillators: material waves and energy quantization (wave-particle duality)
• Energy states in solids (Band structure of crystals, Phonons, Density of states)
• Fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics

2. Energy Transport

• Energy transfer by waves (reflection/transmission and tunneling, energy and momentum of electromagnetic fields)
• Particle description of transport processes (Fourier's law and Ohm's law)
• Thermoelectric effects

Part II: Size Effects and Nanostructures for Energy Conversion Devices (6 weeks)

In the second part of the course we study the effect of device miniaturization on heat transfer and energy conversion. Subsequently, starting from recent literature results, we analyze the functioning of selected state-of-the art systems and emerging concepts for energy conversion devices.

3. Classical Size Effects: how energy transport changes in nano-/micro-scale systems

4. Thermoelectric devices & materials

5. Nanophotonic Engineering for Energy Devices

• radiative heat transfer & radiative cooling
• plasmonic nanostructure for solar fuels
• nanoscae heat sources

6. Liquids and Interfaces

• electrokinetic effects in nanochannels
• hydrovoltaic devices