A new research paper titled, "Optically-induced charge separation and terahertz emission in unbiased dielectrics," submitted by the researchers of University of Michigan indicates that solar power can be harnessed without the use of the normal semiconductor-based solar cells. The new research will usher the way for optical batteries in future.
The research concentrated on the neglected magnetic field of light, which consists of electric and magnetic components. The researchers found that when light passes through an electricity non-conducting material, the light field can produce magnetic properties that are 100 million times more stronger than anticipated before and the magnetic forces buildup strength to match a strong electric force. The study explains that unlike solar cells where the light gets sucked to create heat, in the present invention takes a low level of heat and the light gets absorbed and the energy is kept inside the magnetic moment created. Increased level of magnetization can be created by improving the intensity of light to achieve a storable power source.
The research found that this has become possible due to an ‘optical rectification’ where the light field induces a charge separation also known as isolating of the positive and negative charges in a material. Such an effect was earlier found exclusively in crystalline materials having specific proportions. The research found that similar optical rectifications could be created by the light’s magnetic field in other types of materials under right conditions.
During the research, the magnetic field was veering the electrons into a C-shape making them move ahead a bit each time. The C-shaped charge motion produces an electric dipole as well as a magnetic dipole and proved that setting of the charge motion in a row in a lengthy fiber can create enormous voltage and the voltage can be separated to be used as a power source.
The research explains that light must be beamed through a material that does not steer electric power and the intensity of the light needs to be around 10 million watts per square centimeter. The research is furthering on to find materials that can work with reduced intensities.
According to researchers the researched technique will make the solar power production cost-effective and with the right type of materials 10% efficiency can be achieved.
Source: http://www.umich.edu/