Quantum-Inspired Window Coating Blocks Heat While Allowing Light, Potentially Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a transparent window coating using quantum physics and machine learning. This coating allows visible light to pass through while blocking heat-producing UV and infrared light, reducing room temperature and energy consumption related to cooling. Unlike traditional coatings, this innovative technology remains effective regardless of the angle of sunlight hitting the window.

By optimizing the coating’s configuration using quantum-computing-assisted machine learning, the researchers achieved superior performance across various incident angles. Testing showed temperature reductions of 5.4 to 7.2 degrees Celsius compared to regular glass. Energy simulations suggest significant savings in cooling energy consumption for buildings and vehicles. The researchers envision widespread applications for their coating, pending further scalability testing.