Nematic nanoparticle arrays with angle-selective emissivity in the near-IR

Metamaterial emitters based on electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) structures have previously been studied for controlling the angle and polarization of near-IR emissivity from a surface. Here, we investigate PEC backed nematic nanoparticle arrays that can be tailored to have custom angle-selective emissivity in the near-IR. Compared with structures requiring top-down fabrication methods, nanoparticle arrays have the potential to offer low-cost fabrication for large area coatings. A genetic algorithm is employed to synthesize a Pd nanorod array in a dielectric host medium that possesses low emissivity normal to the surface and high emissivity at a targeted oblique angle.