29 / 58
wiredInUSA - September 2016
29
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.
Longer life under glass
INDEX