Putting Light to Work
Light is a really interesting thing. It has so many different aspects. And it took us a long time to work out exactly how it functioned. And in many ways that is still an ongoing process. So this post is a brief survey of some recent advances in our understanding of light, how to use it, and how to generate it.
Extracting Energy from Light
Recent advances in Quantum Dots have taken us one step closer to improving our extracting of energy from light and Solar Cells continue to improve.
Quantum Dot Solar Energy Conversion from Windows
New record for Solar Cell efficiency
The chart below shows that the fastest improving Solar Cell technologies (the 2 steepest red lines) are Perovskite Solar Cells and Quantum Dot Solar Cells. Click to get a larger version.
Solar Cell Efficiencies – By Time And Technology
And for a good summary of PV (PhotoVoltaic) technologies the link below provides a useful guide.
What makes a good PV Technology
So apart from turning the light in electricity, what else can we do with light?
Light for Communication
Light is also useful as a communications tool. And recent advances in Quantum Dot management of light means it could hold the key to higher levels of computing power in the future, as well as more secure communications.
Quantum Dots set speed record for switching
Phototonic Hypercrystals improve light control
Photonic Hypercrystals
Saucer Shaped Quantum Dots improve LASER brightness
Two steps closer to a Quantum Internet
The last link is particularly interesting because it involved entangling photons at a distance. And the first experiments have already been successful.
Quantum Entangled Photon Communications
But is there more?
Other uses of light
As it happens, yes there is.
Nanoscale structure purifies water using light
Artificial Photosynthesis extracts CO2
So this remains a very busy space.
Successful Endeavours specialise in Electronics Design and Embedded Software Development, focusing on products that are intended to be Made In Australia. Ray Keefe has developed market leading electronics products in Australia for more than 30 years. This post is Copyright © 2017 Successful Endeavours Pty Ltd.
