Advanced Manufacture of Reflectors

The University of Arizona and its partners are developing technology to improve the optical accuracy and reflectivity of the self-supporting glass mirrors used in CSP collector systems.

The research team is working to optimize and validate a novel glass-molding technique that creates very precise mirrors in a variety of shapes. The focus is on developing a novel hot-glass molding process that could be used for high-speed production at low cost, which could also be easily integrated into a production line. In parallel, the research team is developing a novel way to boost second-surface silver reflectivity and inhibit soiling.

If successful, this major advance in the method for shaping float glass could reduce the time needed for the shaping step by a factor of 100—down to 200 seconds. In this way, the process would be compatible with mass production at high speed and low cost.