@article{61900, keywords = {Al2O3, Cr, Fluorescent cooling, Quantum efficiency, Ruby}, author = {Paul H Berdahl and Sharon S Chen and Hugo Destaillats and Thomas W Kirchstetter and Ronnen M Levinson and Michael A Zalich}, title = {Fluorescent Cooling of Objects Exposted to Sunlight - The Ruby Example}, abstract = {
Particularly in hot climates, various pigments are used to formulate desired non-white colors that stay cooler in the sun than alternatives. These cool pigments provide a high near-infrared (NIR) reflectance in the solar infrared range of 700{\textendash}2500\ nm, and also a color specified by a reflectance spectrum in the 400{\textendash}700\ nm visible range. Still cooler materials can be formulated by also utilizing the phenomenon of fluorescence (photoluminescence). Ruby, Al2O3:Cr, is a prime example, with efficient emission in the deep red (~694\ nm) and near infrared (700{\textendash}800\ nm). A layer of synthetic ruby crystals on a white surface having an attractive red color can remain cooler in the sun than conventional red materials. Ruby particles can also be used as a red/pink pigment. Increasing the Cr:Al ratio produces a stronger (darker) pigment but doping above ~3\ wt\% Cr2O3 causes concentration quenching of the fluorescence. The system quantum efficiency for lightly doped ruby-pigmented coatings over white is high, 0.83{\textpm}0.10.
}, year = {2016}, booktitle = {Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells}, journal = {Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells}, series = {Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells}, volume = {157}, pages = {312-317}, doi = {10.1016/j.solmat.2016.05.058}, }