Researchers at the University of Michigan recently discovered that the huge magnetic effect generated by light is expected to be used for solar power generation, that is, to generate electricity through the electro-optic effect, thereby replacing the traditional semiconductor solar cells.
Stephen Land, a professor of electrical engineering and applied physics at the University of Michigan, said: “We can use the magnetic effect of light to make a photocell. In the past, we may not always be able to see this possibility because of the inertia of thinking. Discovery has marked our culmination of a century-long physics credo. It is reported that Rand's article was published in the Journal of Applied Physics.
Although light has both electrical and magnetic components, scientists have long believed that the influence of this magnetic field is negligible. Rand and his colleagues found that at the right intensity, when light passes through a non-conductive material, the magnetic effect of the light field is 100 million times higher than previously expected. In this case, the strength of the magnetic field effect is equivalent to the effect of a strong electric field.
In this regard, Rand said: "The new discovery is expected to be applied to solar energy, that is, without the use of solar cells, no need for semiconductors, no need to absorb light to generate charge separation, the working principle of solar cells is that light enters a material, followed by It is absorbed and generates heat. For our new research, we expect a very low thermal load. Instead of light being absorbed, energy is stored in the magnetic moment. Strong magnetization can be induced using intense light, and ultimately it can provide A capacitive power supply."
And all this can not be separated from the discovery of light rectification. William Fisher, Ph.D., applied physics, said that in the traditional optical correction process, the electric field of light causes charge separation, or separation of positive and negative charges in the material. This creates a voltage that is similar to that in a battery. This electrical effect has been previously found in crystalline materials. This material has a certain degree of symmetry. Rand and Fisher have found that, under normal circumstances, the light's magnetic field can also form optical corrections in all other types of materials.
Fisher said: "In fact, this kind of magnetic field initially bends the electrons and forms a C shape. Each time they advance a little, this C-shaped charge motion produces both electric dipoles and magnetic couples. If we put a lot of such dipoles in a row and put them in long fibers, we can make a huge voltage. By drawing the voltage, we can use it as a power source. There is a prerequisite for this - - The light must pass through a non-conductive material such as glass, etc. At the same time, the light must be focused to reach 10 million watts per square centimeter. Although sunlight itself is not so strong, we are actively looking for new materials that can be Work at a lower intensity," Fisher said. "In a recent article, we have found that incoherent light is like sunlight and that theoretically it is almost as efficient to generate charge separation as a laser."
Researchers expect that by using improved materials, the conversion rate of solar energy into usable energy can reach 10%. This is equivalent to today's commercial-grade solar cells. Fisher said: "In order to make modern solar cells, we have to do a lot of semiconductor processing. All we need is a lens to focus the light and rely on light to guide it. Glass has both roles. We don't Need to do too much processing of ordinary glass, it is estimated that the performance of transparent ceramics will be better.†It is learned that researchers will next research and develop this kind of power supply, first with a laser, then with the sun.
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