Optical Fiber Bristles Trap Sunlight to Boost Solar Cells
Katie Cordrey — June 28, 2010 — Eco
References: treehugger & technologyreview
FiberCell company is working to boost the efficiency of organic solar cells from the current levels of 8 percent to more than 10 percent by using optical fiber bristles stamped into a polymer substrate that forms the foundation of the cell.
The optical fiber bristles create light pipes upon which organic solar cells are dip-coated. Light-absorbing dye is also sprayed onto the cell. Once light enters the tips of the fiber bristles, it is absorbed by the organic cell. The fiber optics substantially boost energy production.
The optical fiber bristles create light pipes upon which organic solar cells are dip-coated. Light-absorbing dye is also sprayed onto the cell. Once light enters the tips of the fiber bristles, it is absorbed by the organic cell. The fiber optics substantially boost energy production.
Trend Themes
1. Solar Cell Efficiency - Innovations in optical fiber technology offer significant potential to enhance the performance of organic solar cells, drive down costs and improve overall efficiencies further.
2. Light-guiding Materials - Light-guiding materials including optical fibers are a fast-growing technology that can be used to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of other energy technologies such as LEDs and fiber optic lighting.
3. Advanced Energy Harvesting - Advanced optical fiber technology provides novel approaches for harvesting and transporting energy, promising to revolutionize renewable power generation and storage systems.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - Optical fiber bristles allow the development of more robust and effective organic solar cells, hydrogen-based fuel cells, and other renewable energy technologies.
2. Lighting - Light-guiding materials such as optical fibers offer new opportunities to improve the efficiency and design of lighting systems for homes, buildings, and other infrastructure.
3. Semiconductor Manufacturing - Advanced energy harvesting technologies, including innovative optical fiber-based systems, are driving major improvements in the efficiency of semiconductor manufacturing processes.
2.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
