title: Sun-tracking optical element realized using thermally activated transparency-switching material.
abstract: We present a proof of concept demonstration of a novel optical element: a light-responsive aperture that can track a moving light beam. The element is created using a thermally-activated transparency-switching material composed of paraffin wax and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Illumination of the material with a focused beam causes the formation of a localized transparency at the focal spot location, due to local heating caused by absorption of a portion of the incident light. An application is proposed in a new design for a self-tracking solar collector.
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Apostoleris
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stefancich
authors.forename: Samuele
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lilliu
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chiesa