What is an Absorber? Definition, Types, and Applications

An absorber is a material or substance that absorbs or takes in energy, such as heat or light, and dissipates it as another form of energy. The term is commonly used in various fields like physics, chemistry, and engineering to describe materials that have the ability to absorb and convert energy.

Some examples of absorbers include:

1. Thermal absorbers: These are materials that absorb heat energy and release it as a different form of energy, such as light or electricity. Examples include thermophotovoltaic cells, which convert heat into electricity, and thermoelectric devices, which convert heat into cold.
2. Light absorbers: These are materials that absorb light energy and convert it into another form of energy, such as heat or electricity. Examples include solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity, and photodetectors, which convert light into an electrical signal.
3. Acoustic absorbers: These are materials that absorb sound energy and dissipate it as heat or vibrations. Examples include acoustic panels, which are used to reduce echo and reverberation in rooms, and sound-absorbing materials, such as fiberglass or open-cell foam.
4. Chemical absorbers: These are substances that absorb chemicals or other substances and convert them into a different form. Examples include activated carbon, which absorbs impurities from water and air, and enzyme-based biosensors, which detect and convert chemicals into an electrical signal.

Overall, the term "absorber" refers to any material or substance that can absorb energy and convert it into another form, and is used in a wide range of applications across various fields.