Solar Cells You Can Wear

Solar Cells You Can Wear
Dec-12-12
Researchers have developed a new optical fiber that could open the door to clothing and cases able to charge the gadgets they carry.

To create the optical fiber, an international team led by John Badding of Penn State University built on their previous research to make a fiber from crystalline silicon semiconductor materials able to function as a solar cell. The team has already made fibers that are several feet long, but the new method could allow them to create flexible fibers over 30 feet in length, which could then be woven into a fabric able to generate power or sense chemicals, among other applications.

In addition to paving the way to gadget charging jackets, the solar collector would be more efficient than conventional panels because it would be able to collect light from many angles.

Image: A cross section of the optical fiber

Solar Cells You Can Wear


More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[PENN STATE UNIVERSITY]
Share on      

Add your Comment:

[LOGIN FIRST] if you're already a member.

fields are required.



Note: Your name will appear at the bottom of your comment.