Transformation thermotics: Thermal metamaterials and their applications

Abstract

In this paper, we review some recent achievements in thermal metamaterials, including novel thermal devices, simplified experimental method, macroscopic thermal diode based on temperature-dependent transformation thermotics, and the important role that soft matters play in the experimental confirmations of thermal metamaterials. These works pave the developments in transformation mapping theory and can surely inspire more designs of thermal metamaterials. What is more, some approaches provide more flexibility in controlling heat flow, and they may also be useful in other fields that are closely related to temperature gradient, such as the Seebeck effect and many other domains where transformation theory is valid.