The new finding shows diamond-like crystal boasting even light reflecting capacity. The latest study held by a group of advanced calculations physicists and mathematicians at the University of Twente suggest a photonic nanostructure content, which shows immense resemblance to diamond, can reflect different types of colors of light. More surprisingly, it can reflect these from any angle empowering high-capacity wavelengths as well. The finding was published in 'Physical Review B.' journal.
According to Phys.org, this material is also said to be fruitful for growing the efficiency of solar cells. Usually, solar cells work by absorbing the solar beams. The efficiency can be extended by using a back reflector. The solar panel absorbs the majority of the sunlight surfaced on and across it.But certain parts of the whole sunlights remain as a left out part which can't be absorbed directly by the solar cell due to its shape.
These parts can be utilized by reflecting them to the solar panel using an omnidirectional type of medium, preferably an even way mirror. This photonic nanostructure acts as an omnidirectional reflector which can encode the left out solar energy on those solar cells.
Previously, scientists have had some doubt about the frequency range of such photonic nanostructure. Well, to come to a point of clear observation, the group of scientists studies a similar photonic nanostructure called inverse woodpile photonic crystals. According to Science Daily, a Ph.D. student and on of the researchers: Devashish claimed: "These crystals consist of a regularly ordered array of pores drilled in two perpendicular directions in a wafer of dielectric such as silicon."
The woodpile crystal showcased a very negligible light absorption quality of its own. And it has relative characteristics and reflection capabilities throughout all the surfaces, this diamond alike photonic nanostructure can be considered as a potential back reflector for solar cells.
