Avalanche Effect Demonstrated In Solar Cells

esocid writes "Researchers at TU Delft (Netherlands) and the FOM (Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter) have found irrefutable proof that the so-called avalanche effect by electrons occurs in specific semiconducting crystals of nanometer dimensions. This physical effect could pave the way for cheap, high-output solar cells. Solar cells currently have relatively low output, typically 15%, and high manufacturing costs. One possible improvement could derive from a new type of solar cell made of semiconducting nanocrystals and could theoretically lead to a maximum output of 44%, with the added benefit of reducing manufacturing costs. In conventional solar cells, one photon can release precisely one electron. However, in some semiconducting nanocrystals, one photon can release two or three electrons, hence the term 'avalanche effect.' This effect was first measured by researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratories in 2004, and since then the scientific world had raised doubts about the value of these measurements. This current research does in fact demonstrate that the avalanche effect can occur."

Re:Thermaldynamics?

[Anonymous Coward]

I frequently try to break the laws of thermaldynamics. Especially ones involving Intropy and the Carnal Cycle.

Oh, ho ho ho...

[Anonymous Coward]

This current research does in fact demonstrate that the avalanche effect can occur.

Oh boy, that's a good one.

Re:Someone said it before, I will now.

[stagnantProse]

Yeah, you tell 'em. And while your on it ask them what's holding up my flying car? Now where did I put my phone-watch?

Re:Or great!

[Hal_Porter]

Solar cells only work outside though.

You'd have to use a thick black raincoat, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the ultraviolent radiation though. And cover up any exposed spots with SPF 10000 suncream.

Even then I'd scuttle back into the basement once the batteries had recharged.
 

Re:Let's be realistic

[Chuck Chunder]

Since next year!

why come out?

[someone1234]

You can order workers via the internets who tile your roof with Avalanche(TM) solar cells.

Re:Or great!

[LynnwoodRooster]

And cover up any exposed spots with SPF 10000 suncream.

You know it also comes in a new convenient spray can [rustoleum.com]!

Re:Someone said it before, I will now.

[jollyreaper]

We need to wake up, and start the new Manhattan Project for energy; I don't think we can wait on the Free Market for this one.

ZOMG!!!! COMMUNIST!

Re:Someone said it before, I will now.

[ckedge]

FAR FAR easier to stop having IDIOT reporters report on RAW FUNDAMENTAL research results as if they were going to be immediately applicable or as if they were guaranteed to be capable of going to market.

The problem isn't research. This is exactly how research goes. You investigate 1000 things for 10-20 years, and ONE comes out the door to use in widespread industry.

So - 1000 slashdot stories, times 10 dupes and repeats over the 10 years, times 10 because it's re-reported on all the other bloggies/forumish/etc/etc "news sources" - do you see where this is going? If reporters report this basic raw fundamental research like this, you MUST read 100,000 fucking slashdot style "stories" over 20 years before a single one gets commercialized.

We need a category called "basic/fundamental research", to which stories are assigned by people with brains, which then we can all exclude from our views. :)