Optical cages made of graphitic frameworks

Abstract: In pursuit of infrared (IR) radiation absorbers, we examine quasicrystal structures made of graphite wires. An array of graphitic cages and cage-within-cage, and whose overall dimensions is smaller than the radiation wavelength exhibit a flat absorption spectrum, A~0.83 between 10-30 microns and a quality loss factor of L~0.83 (L=A/Q, with Q, the quality factor). Simulations at microwave frequencies show multiple absorption lines. In the case of a cage within cage, energy is funneled towards the inner cage which result in a rather hot structure. Applications are envisioned as anti-fogging surfaces, EM shields and energy harvesting.