Parametric investigation for suppressing near-field thermal radiation between two spherical nanoparticles

The research on the near-field thermal radiation between two nanoparticles separated by nanoscale distance is of great significance and is closely related with the materials design. The remarkably increased radiation energy transfer may be harmful to the performance of super-insulating materials such as silica aerogels with nanoporous structures. Based on the fluctuation–dissipation theorem, this article analytically investigates the influences of important parameters including the distance, particle radius, dielectric function and doping levels on the near-field heat transfer between two spherical nanoparticles. By tuning these parameters, it is expected to control the near-field thermal radiation. This study will help in investigating the heat transfer of group nanoparticles and developing novel insulating materials with special properties.