Efficiency optimization of mid-infrared incandescent sources with time-varying temperature

A wide range of applications ranging from spectroscopy to communication use the mid wavelength infrared (MWIR) spectral range. Fast amplitude modulation is useful for applications such as communications or sensing but out of reach of incandescent emitters. Downsizing the emitter allows overcoming thermal inertia and enabling fast temperature modulation of nanoscale incandescent emitters in contact with a cold substrate. However, while heat conduction to the substrate is required for fast cooling, it is detrimental for the efficiency of the source. Here, we introduce a theoretical model and analyse the influence of the source parameters on the trade-off between fast modulation and efficiency of incandescent sources. We also compare harmonic and pulse modulation. (c) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement