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How does it work?
![[the transmission of solar energy through the refractive secondary to its point of use]](../images/raytrace.jpg)
The innovative refractive secondary concentrator,
made of solid single crystal material, uses refraction and total
internal reflection to focus and direct the solar flux. Integral
to the design of the refractive secondary is the flux extractor,
which allows the efficient extraction and tailored distribution
of the concentrated solar energy. The above figure illustrates
graphically, via ray tracing, the transmission of solar energy
through the refractive secondary to its point of use, in this
case a tubular engine cavity. In the below photo, a laser is
sent through a refractive secondary prototype to demonstrate
refraction, total internal reflection and extraction.
![[Refractive crystal with laser light]](../images/rsc_demo_laser.jpg)
Last Revision: January 4, 2000
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NASA Glenn Research Center![[GRC Hanger link to Glenn Research Center Home Page]](../../images/hangarsm.jpg)
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