Research scientists at the Michigan University have discovered something truly groundbreaking regarding light and its behavior that could not only be the next big thing in solar energy, but also change solar technology forever.
Stephen Rand, member of the faculty at the University departments of Physics, Applied Physics, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, as well as William Fisher, a doctoral student in applied physics made the discovery that light, when it is in the right intensity and passing through materials that are not conductors of electricity, glass for instance, can create magnetic fields.
The magnetic fields coming from the light waves are of a degree that is hundred million times than was expected before. Under the right conditions, the magnetic field that results is powerful enough to be able to oppose a strong electric effect, which could create a new kind of “optical battery”.
This could be the road to the development of a solar cell that do not have semi conductors in the make up, nor have absorption to produce charge separation, as Rand said.
The research was revealed by Rand in his paper published in the Journal of Applied Physics. Semi conductor processing will not be necessary in the new optical batteries, instead, all that would be required is lenses that focuses the light, and then fibres that guide it. Glass can be made use of for both purposes as it is already mass produced and does not require much of processing. Transparent ceramics might do the job better.
Both Rand and Fisher say that the new technology would be as efficient as the commercial grade solar cells that are available today. The new technology could be a breakthrough, and may lead to affordable as well as seamless integration. Imagine having your windows being used to generate solar power.
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