By efficiently doing their work, Stanford University’s scientists were able to develop a new type of photovoltaic material that may benefit a wide range of human population.
This discovery was resulted to the advancement of function of whispering galleries – a round room with a perimeter. It then allows the carrying of sound, hence, a person can hear clearly what was whispered by the sender even if they were not placed on the same side.
The new material consists of tiny hollow spheres made out of nanocrystalline-silicon. With these spheres, sunlight can now be trapped and circulate inside the whispering galleries. This improvement could result to less delicate and less-sensitive solar panels in a much lower price. Since nanocrystalline-silicon is competitively good in adjusting to electricity it can now successfully resist the damaging effect of sunlight.
Furthermore, these nanoshells were proven to be relatively indifferent to the angle of incoming light. Its layers are thin enough that they can withstand bending and twisting without damage. Improvement of the typical solar cells using the newly discovered structure is just a beginning for these scientists. Through further study and discovery, these products will be able to make life easier and less costly for people.
Via Gizmag
Filed Under: Technology News