Nanoscale Heat Engineering for Advanced Technology

2026-07-22

The miniaturization trend of electronic components down to atomic length scales generates new challenges in the management of heat at the nanoscale. Efficient heat dissipation in electronic devices leads to lower energy waste and improved operation efficiency, thus contributing in a decisive way to environmentally sustainable technological developments. The nanoHEAT project aims to leverage the unique properties of 2D materials for the design of thermally efficient and actively tunable nanodevices, due to their compactness, extraordinary electronic, optical, and thermal properties, and support of exotic polaritons—hybrid light/matter electromagnetic modes that propagate at the surface of materials and play a crucial role in heat transport. Using advanced nanophotonics theory, nanoHEAT will start by studying in detail the behavior of selected 2D materials under extreme conditions of confinement, temperature, and external stimuli (such as magnetic fields or drift currents). After carefully selecting which materials (and their combinations) display the most advantageous thermal capabilities, optimized heterostructures based on these materials and noble metals will be explored as versatile building blocks for realistic setups with enhanced radiative and conductive heat transport in the nanoscale. External stimuli, in combination with other active elements such as quantum scatterers, will be used as knobs to control heat flow in these systems. Carried out at the University of Southern Denmark together with a widely experienced research team, this project will allow the fellow to advance his scientific career by harnessing new skills in nanophotonics, expanding his collaboration network, and acquiring complementary competencies in teaching, communication, and outreach, and research leadership. It will also contribute to solidifying the EU’s strategic position in the photonics industry and paving the way towards new generations of energy-efficient electronic devices.

Denmark

2026-01-01