A solar receiver for exposing heat absorbing particles to concentrated solar radiation. The solar receiver includes a chamber having an aperture through which concentrated solar radiation can be received within the chamber. An inlet means provides for introducing an inflow including solar absorbing particles into the chamber. An outlet means provides for discharge of an outflow from the chamber. The inlet means communicates with the chamber for introduction of the inflow into a first section of the chamber in opposed relation the aperture. The outlet means communicates with a second section of the chamber disposed between the first section and the aperture, wherein fluid flow from the inlet means to the outlet means is exposed to concentrated solar radiation received within the chamber. The first section diverges in a direction towards the aperture, and the inlet means is configured to introduce the inflow tangentially into the divergent first section.