NOVELTY - The collector (20) has a housing (22) having two end walls (24, 26) and a cavity (30) between the end walls. A receiver tube (52) made of borosilicate glass is extended through one of the end walls on an end and extended longitudinally within the cavity. A receiver core (62) is placed within the receiver tube, where the core is made from porous material i.e. steel foam material. A mirror i.e. dielectric mirror, is arranged within the cavity opposite to the receiver tube, where the mirror is arranged to reflect light onto the receiver tube.    USE - Solar collector such as flat plate collector, parabolic trough collector, parabolic dish collector, tower collector, Fresnel lens, Fresnel reflector and pyramid collector, for converting solar energy into thermal energy that is used as a source of heat for heating a heat transfer medium i.e. ambient air, to high temperature for delivering to downstream process i.e. thermal storage tank. Can also be used for heating fluid oil for delivering to downstream processes such as absorption chillers, direct space heating, domestic hot water heating, chemical process heat, food process heat, boilers for space heating, and boilers coupled to a steam turbine for generating electricity, to operate engine such as a steam turbine, a brayton, a rankine and a stirling engine.    ADVANTAGE - The collector heats the heat transfer medium to very high temperatures, and the core increases the heating surface area of the receiver so as to allow air to be heated to temperatures up to 500 degree Celsius. The collector provides automatic cleaning of a solar collector cover. The end walls include openings to allow the heat transfer medium to be drawn into the cavity such that the openings includes louvers or filters that minimize the entry of contaminants such as dust or insects into the cavity. The mirror allows for reflection to a focal point while maintaining suitable structural integrity. The collector comprises a cover member to allow light to pass through into the cavity while minimizing heat transfer from the cavity.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The housing is made from carbon fiber and resin form or aluminum sheet material. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method for operating a solar collector.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic view of a solar collector.    Solar collector (20)    Housing (22)    End walls (24, 26)    Cavity (30)    Receiver tube (52)    Receiver core (62)