Low absorption , high absorption

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    Absorption
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding materials with specific optical properties for a solar-powered heating project. Quartz is identified as a potential candidate for its heat insulating effect and high transparency across the light spectrum, including UV and infrared. The feasibility of creating a one-way mirror effect is deemed impossible due to the symmetrical nature of light transmission in linear isotropic materials, as dictated by Maxwell's equations. For high absorption with low reflectivity, flat black paint is suggested, although vacuum-deposited hyperfine carbon films could enhance absorption but are impractical for large surfaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical properties of materials, specifically transparency and permeability.
  • Familiarity with Maxwell's equations and their implications on light transmission.
  • Knowledge of material science, particularly regarding heat insulation and absorption.
  • Experience with solar energy applications and basic thermodynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of quartz for large-scale applications in solar heating systems.
  • Explore advanced materials for enhancing light absorption, such as hyperfine carbon films.
  • Investigate alternative materials that provide high transparency and low reflectivity for solar applications.
  • Learn about the design principles of one-way mirrors and their limitations in practical applications.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for materials scientists, solar energy engineers, and hobbyists interested in developing efficient solar heating systems and understanding the optical properties of various materials.

Vor
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hi, this might be the wronge place to post this but trying to find this info on the web is exceedingly dificult.
I need a material that is cheap has a heat insulating effect and has high transparency and permeability for al forms of the light spec rum including uv and infared.

That is part one, part two is there a way to increase the reflectivity of one side over the other as in on one side light passes through with the minimal amount of reflection and when it attempts pass through the other way it is reflected back in, I know they make 1 way mirrors but it seems more like its just highly reflective glass with a dark room.

I know this asking for a lot but I have one more question is there a cheap high absorption material with really low reflectivity,I know black paint will absorb a great deal of light and convert it to heat, but I want to absorb as much of the visible and invisible spectrum as possible and convert it to heat.

I'm just working with a project and I can't trust internet sights as they are all just trying to sell there specific products and it seems a waste to spend money on a less effective material
 
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Part 1: quartz

Part 2: impossible. Transmission is symmetrical for any combination of linear isotropic materials. This is a consequence of reciprocity which can be derived from Maxwell's equations.

Part 3: flat black paint. You can vacuum deposit a hyperfine carbon film and improve the absorption but this is not practical for most surfaces.
 
Thanks for the tips, I had a feeling that the might not be a way to have one side reflext while the other doesn't but I had to ask anyway

on another note, quarts is an interesting answer. Hadn't even considered it, but would that be practical on a large scale? Maybe I should clarify scale, the project I'm working on is about as tall as a man.

This is a for fun project to build a solar powered heating unit as a using water to store the hear, just some low tech fun / yard decoration...

I have a lot of free time
 

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