Radiometric measurements for assessing the performances of high-temperature solar absorbers

This thesis is focused on the characterization of UHTCs (Ultra High-Temperature Ceramics) materials, especially the optical properties, and the study of high-temperature emission characteristics, in order to assess the performances of this innovative materials for possible use as receivers in solar thermal power plants. Much of the work regards the design and development of a new apparatus aimed to measure the spectral emissivity of materials as a function of temperature up to 1000 °C. This thesis has been conducted at the National Institute of Optics (INO-CNR Florence, Italy) in collaboration with the Industrial Engineering Department.