Better Black Solar Cells

Oct-12-12 Using strategic laser pulses, researchers have doubled the efficiency of black silicon solar cells, which are valued for their ability to harness infrared light.

Black silicon is created by irradiating the silicon with laser beams in the presence of sulfur. The team, from Fraunhofer Institute, improved the efficiency of the black silicon by adjusting the laser beam pulses to change the position of the sulfur atoms in the silicon. This change reduced the amount of infrared energy required to excite the elections into energy conversion by creating an intermediate level that allows the electrons to move more easily to the conduction band, where electricity is generated. At the same time, the new technology also helps prevent electrons from moving backwards off the band, reducing energy loss.

Prototypes of the new black silicon cells are currently in production.

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[INHABITAT.COM]
[FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE]

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