  The spectral response and directional scattering of semiconductor-oxide
core-shell spherical microparticles embedded in an insulating medium at low
volume fraction are computed using Mie Theory and Multiscale Modelling methods.
The surface plasmon resonances of low-bandgap semiconductor microinclusions
have excellent and tunable scattering properties. By adjusting the size,
material, shell thickness, and dielectric environment of the particles, the
energies of the localized surface resonances are tuned to match the discrete
solar spectrum. Near-IR solar reflectance efficiency factors of up to 78% are
observed. Further the transmittance of broadband or specific wavelengths could
be blocked. These spectrally-sensitive coatings have application as a
back-reflector for solar devices, high temperature thermal insulator, and
optical filters in Gradient Heat Flux Sensors (GHFS) for fire safety
applications.
