Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Smart Glass Blocks Infrared - But Only When It's Hot

Posted by michael on from the light-reading dept.

klevin writes "New Scientist has an article about a new way of making sheets of glass so they block infrared energy at temperatures above 29C (84.2F). Just so long as it doesn't have to get that hot on both sides of the glass. My AC comes on way before 84F. I suppose that with double or triple paned glass, you'd only treat the exterior pane."

4 of 303 comments (clear)

  1. Depends how much it costs... by fejikso · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Depending on the cost of the material, which is not mentioned in the article, it could be a great way to insulate from heat in the summer, while helping trap heat in winter. Specially for big glass buildings, this could translate into big savings in energy and money.

  2. Weak. by iamdrscience · · Score: 0, Redundant

    So I guess I can't make any more infrared recordings of my neighbors having sex with the curtains open. Well, not in the summer anyways.

  3. Re:Safe? Lifespan? by GuineaPigMan · · Score: 0, Redundant

    You could use two panes of glass and put the coating in between the two. This would allow for better insulation and would also protect the coating from being dissolved by acid rain and the like. The article also mentioned titanium dioxide(?) to fix the substances together.

  4. Re:Safe? Lifespan? by GuineaPigMan · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Sorry, misread the parent... Realized I basically said the same thing :\