Alon@
First-principles calculations based on density-functional theory (DFT) in the pseudopotential (PP) method have been performed for aluminum oxynitride with the spinel-type structure (γ-alon). The calculations show that the face-centered sublattice of the anions is distorted, even for the hypothetical “ideal” γ-alon spinel Al3O3N. Among the different proposed structure models, the model with vacancies on the Al sites (the so-called “constant anion model”) is preferred, whereas a model with interstitial anions (the so-called “constant cation model”) is unlikely. These results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The aluminum vacancies reside at the octahedral sites. The calculations also show that, in the structure of the γ-alons, the O/N atoms are partially ordered. The space group Fd[Threemacr]m, which has been widely accepted for all γ-alons, represents only the statistically averaged results that are obtained with diffraction techniques.
In other words, if it looks like glass, and functions like glass, but is stronger than steel -- it's a good thing!
"Carbon nanotubes make excellent wave guides."
Hmm. I had been thinking of using traditional fiber optics, with the LED source at the periphery. Now I'm considering putting the LED emitter at the operating end of the nanotube, with the feedstock end used to guide the energy to it. With the proper construction, these panels could make good video displays, and if we can work out the bandwidth and addressing problems, we could have an effective single point cloaking device, (that is, a cloak that can only operate in a single direction, to conceal you from a single observer.)
"I should be able to forge things in a carbon-carbon crucible up to around 200,000o. More if I push it outside where shielding isn't such a big deal."
Once we get the castle and attendant enclosures into space and rotating, the center of rotation will offer an axis of microgravity where a good light source will be needed for our crops. I love it when a plan comes together!
Pair up the tubes. One as an emitter, one as a receiver. We can work out an addressing scheme using a generational algorithm like they do with coming up for new transistor routes in computer chips. We'd be able to pull in full EM-spectrum data and project it right back out the other side. Or, we could use the CompCentCore to cover the canopy in yellow and green paisleys. Or we could try and focus all of the energy output of each nanotube/waveguide on one target spot and see if we can hit lasing energy densities...