Metallic Nanotube Array Enabling Far Infrared Thermal Emitter Performance Enhancement

We fabricate and demonstrate a thermal-radiation far-infared light source with enhanced thermal radiation efficiency, particularly within the crucial 8--14 μm wavelength range, which is vital for various applications. The device utilizes a metallic nanotube array (MeNTA) meticulously fabricated on a silicon wafer using stainless-steel material through sputter deposition. The simulation with Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) approach reveals significant alterations to the blackbodyradiated far-infrared spectrum. Experimental validation via Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) measurements confirms a pronounced wavelength filtering effect, primarily centered at 10.2 μm. The device incorporating stainless steel MeNTA exhibits 1.4 times improvement in luminous efficiency, reaching 7.45 × 10⁻³, accompanied by a radiated power of 11.034 mW and 0.681 mW/mm² radiated power per area. These outcomes suggest the potential for expanding the fabrication process with alternative geometries and periods to tailor specific infrared emissions, which enables suitable thermal emitters for biomedical applications.