Splitting infrared and visible light.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for efficiently splitting infrared and visible light from sunlight, particularly for energy generation purposes. Participants explore various approaches, including the use of prisms and cold mirrors, and consider the implications of these methods on energy collection and material durability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a prism to split sunlight into infrared and visible light, questioning its efficiency for energy generation.
  • Another participant advises checking the specifications of the prism material to assess wavelength transfer efficiency, noting potential bulkiness for power generation.
  • A participant raises concerns about temperature differences across the spectrum and the risk of damaging solar cells when using a Fresnel lens to focus sunlight.
  • One participant recommends researching 'cold mirrors' and mentions the availability of long-pass filters for specific wavelength ranges.
  • There is a query about the heat tolerance of cold mirrors, specifically whether they can withstand concentrated sunlight without cracking.
  • Another participant asserts that cold mirrors will perform adequately in direct sunlight.
  • Concerns are expressed regarding the potential for cracking when cold mirrors are subjected to heat, especially when focused sunlight is involved.
  • A participant emphasizes that infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light consist of ranges of frequencies, suggesting the use of filters instead of prisms and encouraging others to share their findings.
  • One participant notes the high cost of cold mirrors, indicating a potential barrier to their use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of views on the efficiency and practicality of different methods for splitting light, with no consensus reached on the best approach or the durability of materials under concentrated sunlight.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to consider the specifications of materials used for prisms and mirrors, as well as the implications of focusing sunlight on these materials, but do not resolve these considerations.

hyderjoe
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Hi all, is there an efficient way of splitting both of these waves of sunlight?? I've came across http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/classroom_activities/herschel_example.html and thought of an idea of using a prism. But, do you think that is is efficient? ( I'm going to use this to collect both light and heat from sunlight for energy generation). Thanks!
 
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I'd say check the specifications for the material used to construct the prism and see how much of each wavelength range is transferred through. Purely offhand I would say it is efficient, but bulky and heavy if you are wanting to generate power by collecting the light.
 
I wonder if the temperature difference of the both ends of spectrum will be big or not, I won't want my solar cell to burn up (i'm using fresnel lens to focus the sunlight)
 
hyderjoe said:
Hi all, is there an efficient way of splitting both of these waves of sunlight?? I've came across http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/classroom_activities/herschel_example.html and thought of an idea of using a prism. But, do you think that is is efficient? ( I'm going to use this to collect both light and heat from sunlight for energy generation). Thanks!

google 'cold mirror' or the like. You can fairly easily find long-pass filters at (nearly) any wavelength you like:

http://www.edmundoptics.com/products/browse.cfm?categoryid=41&subcatid=1808,1809
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks for your info, it really help much! But I've a question, how well does the cold mirror tolerate heat? Does it cracks easily if I were to concentrate sunlight on it?? Thanks
 
It will work just fine in direct sunlight.
 
yeah, but will it crack when heated? because the mirror I'm getting has small dimension, I'll need to focus sunlight for sufficient light for energy collection...
 
Do remember that IR, UV and visible light aren't discrete single frequencies. They are a range of frequencies. I was also thinking of filters rather than a prism. You just need to decide what range of frequencies you wish to collect and locate filters that will do the job. Keep us posted on what you use and how well it works. This is very interesting.
 
I just checked the price for cold mirror, they're not cheap...
 

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