${\boldsymbol{\alpha}-\text{MoO}3}$ for Phase Retardation and Chirality in the Mid-Infrared Range

The blackbody spectrum at near-room temperatures peaks at mid-infrared (IR) frequencies, making this spectral range relevant for fundamental science and technology. Examples include mid-IR thermal energy harvesting and radiative cooling, spectroscopy, molecular sensing and detection, thermal camouflage, and mid-IR free-space communications. Despite the range of applications relevant to the mid-IR range, there exists a lack of optical components for generating and manipulating IR photons.