Material for a high transmittance Prism and where to Buy

[InventiveGuy]

I am working on a science fair project that will concentrate sunlight and then separate it into 3 sections, visible light, infrared light, and everything else (ex. UV). Each will have its own use. I was wondering how to do about the dispersion of the light. I was originally going to use a glass prism but learned that regular glass absorbs infrared.

Are there special prisms designed for more than just the visible spectrum? If so, where i could buy one?
Also any other ideas on how i could separate the light would be appreciated.

 

[Vanadium 50]

You might look up "diffraction grating". That should be enough of a hint.

 

[InventiveGuy]

Thankyou for the quick response, i had completely overlooked diffraction gratings.

I am wanting to conserve as much of the energy as i can. If i was to use a diffraction grating, would i loose much of the energy?

 

[Vanadium 50]

At the risk of sounding rude, this is your project. It wouldn't be right for us to answer all of your questions.

 

[InventiveGuy]

Fair Enough, thankyou anways

 

[Andy Resnick]

Quartz has good UV transmission.