Repurposing Blu-ray Movie Discs as Low-cost Templates for Photon Management
- Technology Benefits
- Reduces cost compared to traditional nanopatterningOffers high scalability Enables simpler manufacturing processIncreases performance of patterned device Decreases environmental waste of Blu-ray discs by repurposing
- Detailed Technology Description
- A novel solar cell manufacturing process using repurposed Blu-ray discs #manufacture #process #electronics #materials #nanotechnology #fabrication
- *Abstract
-
Northwestern researchers have developed a novel purpose for Blu-Ray Discs—photon management. Efficient absorption of light in solar cells or light emitting diodes (LEDs) is crucial for electronic material to operate optimally. To achieve the highest efficiency, bumps and divots of various sizes and shapes are patterned to 'trap' light within the absorbing layer. The most optimal patterns have features that are smaller than the wavelength of light (< 350 nm). However, solar cell fabrication using current lithography techniques is costly and requires specialty equipment. Northwestern researchers have developed a cost-effective and scalable way to manufacture solar cells. Their novel method imprints necessary features of thin film organic solar cells on repurposed Blu-ray discs. Random and quasi-random texturing of solar cells (photovoltaics) achieved by this method improves the efficiency of translating light energy into usable electricity by trapping photons. This creative and environmentally-friendly process reflects the further capabilities in repurposing low-cost consumer products for high-end, value-added applications.
- *Inventors
- Jiaxing Huang* Cheng Sun Chen Wang Alexander Smith
- *Publications
- Smith A, Wang C, Guo D, Sun C, Huang J (2014) Repurposing blu-ray movie discs as quasi-random nanoimprinting templates for photon management. Nature Communications 5: 5517.
- Country/Region
- USA
