A variable-emittance radiator based on a metal-insulator transition of (La,Sr)MnO3

Variable-emittance radiators based on the metal-insulator transition of (La,Sr)MnO3 have been developed. The emittance property of the material was evaluated from infrared reflectance spectra; that is, (La,Sr)MnO3 Shows low emittance at low temperature but high emittance at high temperature. Moreover, the emittance property significantly changes at the metal-insulator transition temperature, where the material changes from a highly reflective (i.e., low emissivity) metal to a less reflective (i.e., high emissivity) insulator. The (La,Sr)MnO3 thin-films fitted on a spacecraft surface can, therefore, be used to automatically control the emmisive heat transfer from the spacecraft without the need for electrical power. The developed (La,Sr)MnO3 thin-film radiator also greatly reduces the weight and production cost of the thermal control devices.