I wonder if the material is not in fact opaque to infrared light, but exhibits variable thermal conductivity as its electron mobility switches? That would make more sense.
Or perhaps that's even a distinction without a difference in thin films.
I had to read the article at least three times. They seem to be saying that it has a temperature-dependant state change that converts it from transmitting IR to reflecting it.
I'm sure there will be better articles showing up, if the stuff is as useful as it sounds.
The temperature dependent state change is in the electron fluid, not the substance itself. If I'm understanding correctly, it's an electrical conductor at room temperature and an insulator above. The question is, what (or why) does that have to do with IR reflection/transmission?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
swestrup
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2004-08-11 05:38 am (UTC)Or perhaps that's even a distinction without a difference in thin films.
no subject
Date: 2004-08-11 08:58 am (UTC)I'm sure there will be better articles showing up, if the stuff is as useful as it sounds.
no subject
Date: 2004-08-11 09:55 am (UTC)