Anyone know the name of a four vane device enclosed in glass, vanes black on side, white on the other?

Question

This device, I think uses photons to create movement of the vanes inside the glass enclosure. Has anyone ever used this device to power other devices, pumps, generators, etc? Do you only expect motion in a vacuum? Has anyone ever done any experiementation with this device in space to create motion?

If a radiometer works best in a vacuum,would it generate more torque in outer space, exposed to continual extreme photon bombardment?

Answer 1

It is Crookes radiometer.

Answer 2

It is Crookes Radiometer.

It needs to be in a Vacuum, or the "Air" Molecules will provide too much Resistance and it won't turn.
It need to be set on a Pin, or Friction will do the Same.

Many such uses have been Tested, but are not Practical, as the Force of the Photons striking is so Small.

However, research into a Solar Sail, using this principle, to move items in Space is Promising for Cheap, though Slow propulsion-Space Probes and Cargo might benefit.

Answer 3

You mean the Crookes Radiometer, like the one pictured in the attached link?

I have no idea... ;-)

As for the power it produces, it is based on a slight pressure differential, and the power present is extraordinary small, in comparison with the amount of heat actually entering and exiting the system. If you want power from heat, there are far more effective ways to do it than through a radiometer.

Answer 4

It is called a radiometer. I'm not sure about it's uses in space which would be the only other practical place to try using it because of the vacuum.

Answer 5

Hi. The dark side of the vane absorbs more radiation than the white (reflective) side. The glass chamber contains a bit of argon. The argon gets 'pushed' away by the relatively warm dark section and, since it has a needle point bearing, the slight difference in torque causes the rotation. They used to have them placed in the light path of a telescope to measure differences in radiation.

Answer 6

Radiometer
http://homepage.mac.com/phyzman/phyz/BOP/1-07HEAT/D-Radiometer.pdf