Physical display size of smartphones continues to grow, the amount of energy they consume. Can solve the problem a new development, provides for the integration of solar panels directly to the screen of mobile devices.
Several researchers have carried out experiments on the incorporation of solar panels in the touch screen or installing a screen gadgets. Scientists from Michigan State University have developed a new type of solar energy concentrator. Since the materials do not absorb and emit light in the visible spectrum, the human eye, they seem to be crystal clear. As a result, solar cells can be easily added to the protective panel mobile separate layer or integrated directly into the display.
Development has attracted the attention of: Head of Apple's social networks and digital marketing Musa Tariq wrote on Twitter, that the new technology is fundamentally changing the status quo. Post one of the managers "apple" of the corporation for the development of this suggests that in the future it will find application in mobile products Apple. It is known that the Cupertino company, as well as other leading players in the market, closely monitors scientific achievements with a view to their implementation.
Thin photovoltaic layer of organic molecules developed by a team led by Richard Landes. He sees the ultraviolet and near-infrared spectra, freely passing through a wavelength of visible light. Therefore, the material is perceived by the human eye as clear.
The technology can find a variety of industrial applications of energy storing windows to smartphones and watches. However, these solar panels are still a long way to the stage of commercial implementation: now their quantum yield is at a level of 1%, while the colored transparent materials provide up to 7% energy conversion efficiency. However, the developers are confident that they will be able to achieve efficiency at the level of 5%, when the technology is fully developed.
Earlier this year, Apple was granted a patent on the display for mobile devices, combined with a solar battery. According to the plan of the company, this innovation can solve the problem of the relatively rapid battery discharge iPhone.