In reply to grok's message of Mon, 4 May 2009 11:54:13 -0700: Hi, [snip] >Isn't there research on (tough!) materials which absorb hi-energy/ >hi-intensity photons from across the relevant spektrum, directly into >their electron structures..? > [snip] ...yes. Icosahedral borides have a "self-healing" property that makes them potentially usable in a sort of "solar cell" which derives it's power from ionizing radiation rather than sunlight (see e.g. http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6841456.html). This would be an interesting approach, but I'm not sure how efficient it could be made. Of course, if it were part of a home power unit, then that might not be much of an issue, because any waste heat could be used for central heating &/or hot water supply &/or air-con (thermal refrigeration cycle).
Regards, Robin van Spaandonk http://rvanspaa.freehostia.com/Project.html
