<p>➀ Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) device that challenges fundamental thermal physics by converting thermal radiation into electricity more efficiently than ever before, bypassing Planck’s law.</p><p>➁ The device, led by Assistant Professor Longji Cui, doubles the power output compared to conventional designs and operates at 1,000°C, producing power comparable to existing designs at 1,400°C.</p><p>➂ The innovation involves replacing the vacuum gap between the heat source and solar cell with an infrared-transparent glass spacer, enhancing power density and opening up commercial potential for clean electricity generation in heavy industries.</p>