Manipulating Heat Like Light 82
An anonymous reader writes "A new technique allows allows 'thermocrystals' to be created that can manipulate heat (a vibration of the atomic lattice of a material). Predicted manipulations include the ability to selectively transmit, reflect or concentrate heat much like light waves can be manipulated by lenses and mirrors. 'Heat differs from sound, he explains, in the frequency of its vibrations: Sound waves consist of lower frequencies (up to the kilohertz range, or thousands of vibrations per second), while heat arises from higher frequencies (in the terahertz range, or trillions of vibrations per second).' Applications range from better thermoelectric devices to switchable heat insulating/transmitting materials (abstract). Perhaps this will result in better cooling/heating mechanisms or more efficient engines."
Re:Low-heat electricity generation (Score:2, Funny)
No, because it would violate the 2nd law of thermodynamics.
Does the 2nd law of thermodynamics not apply to a steam generator?
Re:Could they redirect only a certain hotness? (Score:2, Funny)
So essentially it's now ok to overload semantics in scientific writings ?!
I just invented* a safe** and practical*** form of cold-fusion****.
* stole
** for non sentient life forms outside of solar system
*** for the purpose of filling my bank account
**** relative to the sun, not so much to the atmosphere...
This is precisely why C++ sucks Afro-Caucasian***** balls.
***** chocolate milk ice cream.