Blu-ray disc can be used to improve solar cell performance

AI Thread Summary
Researchers have found that the unique surface texture of Blu-ray discs enhances light absorption in solar cells by utilizing the binary code pattern of pits and islands. This discovery suggests that solar cells can be designed with a similar surface to optimize performance across the solar spectrum. Concerns about practical applications include scalability and durability under harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat and moisture. Suggestions for implementation include using photo masks to replicate the Blu-ray pattern on solar cell surfaces. Overall, this innovative approach holds promise for improving solar energy efficiency.
nsaspook
Science Advisor
Messages
1,478
Reaction score
4,856
http://www.sciencedaily.com/release...ar_energy+(Solar+Energy+News+--+ScienceDaily)
An interdisciplinary research team has discovered that the pattern of information written on a Blu-ray disc -- and it doesn't matter if it's Jackie Chan's "Supercop" or the cartoon "Family Guy" -- works very well for improving light absorption across the solar spectrum. And better yet, the researchers know why.
...
The Northwestern researchers have demonstrated that a Blu-ray disc's strings of binary code 0s and 1s, embedded as islands and pits to store video information, give solar cells the near-optimal surface texture to improve their absorption over the broad spectrum of sunlight.

Pretty cool use of a mass produced product but how much do you think a Chuck Norris disk would boost performance?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
so they plan to make solar cells with a BR disc like surface or try and alter BR's into solar cells?

a chuck BR would come with too many POW's.
 
dragoneyes001 said:
so they plan to make solar cells with a BR disc like surface or try and alter BR's into solar cells?

a chuck BR would come with too many POW's.

I would think you could use a generic photo type mask to imprint the pattern directly on an encapsulation layer of the cell and use a RF etch or bath process to remove material like a regular semiconductor layer process. Like most things it looks good in the lab but how will it scale and how long will it remain effective under commercial conditions like a house roof in Arizona during the summer heat?
http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2014/141125/ncomms6517/carousel/ncomms6517-f2.jpg[/PLAIN]
 
with an extra layer of glass on top it might just last through most weathering just not so well in high rain areas with lots of mold buildup
 
Thread 'Weird near-field phenomenon I get in my EM simulation'
I recently made a basic simulation of wire antennas and I am not sure if the near field in my simulation is modeled correctly. One of the things that worry me is the fact that sometimes I see in my simulation "movements" in the near field that seems to be faster than the speed of wave propagation I defined (the speed of light in the simulation). Specifically I see "nodes" of low amplitude in the E field that are quickly "emitted" from the antenna and then slow down as they approach the far...
Hello dear reader, a brief introduction: Some 4 years ago someone started developing health related issues, apparently due to exposure to RF & ELF related frequencies and/or fields (Magnetic). This is currently becoming known as EHS. (Electromagnetic hypersensitivity is a claimed sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, to which adverse symptoms are attributed.) She experiences a deep burning sensation throughout her entire body, leaving her in pain and exhausted after a pulse has occurred...

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
18K
Back
Top