WiredInUSA September 2016

INDEX

Longer life under glass

Researchers from St Petersburg’s ITMO University in Russia have developed optical luminescent glass with the ability to improve the efficiency and lifetime of solar cells. The optical material, developed at the university’s international laboratory of modern photonic materials and technologies, absorbs ultraviolet radiation and converts it into visible light. The trapped ultraviolet radiation will help to charge the panel, while the glass protects the solar panel from ultraviolet light and dust, both of which reduce the performance of silicon solar cells. Laboratory associate, and lead author of the research work, Yevgeniy Sgibnev said: “We have managed to increase the efficiency of ultraviolet conversion in the glass up to 30 percent, which is comparable with the front-end research in this field.

“Even more, we are already optimizing the technology and planning to raise the quantum yield twice. The glass with such properties can find solid application.” The university scientists said that the manufacture of white LEDs using the new luminescent glass will be a significant step forward in the production processes of light equipment. Research institute for nanophotonics and optoinformatics director Nikolay Nikonorov added: “Now the LEDs require replacement every six months but, produced by our technology, they will live ten times longer: this will significantly cut the costs of lighting replacement.” The researchers believe that the new glass will also withstand high temperatures and adverse weather conditions.

wiredInUSA - September 2016

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