Unveiling the Thermal Cloak: A Journey from Theoretical Foundations to Cutting-Edge Applications

Abstract

AbstractThe idea of “thermal invisibility” has secured a pivotal position in both academic exploration and real-world application. Within the academic realm, the advent of thermal metamaterials has seamlessly intertwined with the principles of thermal invisibility, propelling this domain to the vanguard of contemporary research. Practically speaking, the potential of thermal invisibility is vast, encompassing realms from environmental stewardship and avant-garde chip engineering to intricate facets of national defense. This chapter delves holistically into the odyssey of thermal invisibility, tracing its journey from nascent theoretical musings to state-of-the-art implementations. We initiate by navigating the bedrock techniques undergirding thermal invisibility designs, including transformation theory, scattering cancellation theory, and topological optimization, while deep-diving into the substantial research orbiting these paradigms. Progressing further, we spotlight three game-changing advancements in thermal invisibility: carpet cloaks, ITR-free thermal cloaks, and thermal domes. These breakthroughs adeptly address the challenges intrinsic to conventional thermal cloaks, such as fabrication intricacies, the repercussions of interfacial thermal resistance, and application constraints. Notably, the evolution of thermal invisibility dovetails with the maturation of thermal metamaterials. Through this overview, we aim to furnish readers with a refreshed vantage point on the historical arc of this enthralling discipline.