Saturday 7 March 2015

Moth eyes could lead to more efficient solar cells

March 6, 2015

Chuck Bednar for redOrbit.com – @BednarChuck

The compound lenses found in the eyes of moths have inspired a team of researchers to develop a new antireflective coating that could make solar cells more efficient than ever before.

In a recent edition of the journal ACS Nano, researchers at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore explain that compound lenses found in nocturnal moth eyes helped lead to a coating that can also sharpen the view of solar cell image sensors.

Important non-reflective pattern
The moths ocular faculties contain micro lenses (ommatidia) which are patterned with nanoscale dome-shaped bumps that help reduce the reflection of light at multiple wavelengths, according to Gizmodo. These ommatidia make it possible for the moths to navigate in the dark.

“The ability to capture light and not let go is appealing in the world of solar cells because it can increase efficiency,” the website added. “So the team from Singapore has taken inspiration from the complex lens structure to create a process that stamps patterns over the surface of a material, replicating the antireflective effects of the moths’ eyes.”


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