Recently, researchers have made significant progress in developing a hybrid material that can convert low-energy light into high-energy light.
The new technology is a breakthrough that could lead to improvements in self-driving vehicles, solar panels, night vision technology and more. Currently, all of these technologies are limited by the extent to which materials can convert low-energy light—such as that found in microwaves and radio waves—into high-energy light such as ultraviolet waves and gamma rays.
The more energy the light beam has, the easier it is to extract energy from it. This efficient conversion of low energy light to high energy value light can unlock a treasure trove of energy resources.
The new materials include "very small silicon nanoparticles" and organic materials such as anthracene, which is used in food coloring.
Self-driving cars in particular could benefit greatly from these advances. Long-wave infrared light penetrates fog well and can be converted to short-wave light, which is easier for sensors to read. Scientists hope this new technology will help autonomous vehicles navigate fog and poor weather conditions, previously limited by sensing capabilities.
Meanwhile, this fast-transfer technology could make solar panels more efficient, allowing them to take advantage of low-energy "near-infrared" light that other panels can't capture and use. The researchers estimate that capturing this extra energy could allow us to reduce the size of solar panels by more than 30%, while still getting the same amount of energy out of them.
According to IGS Energy, the current average level of solar panel efficiency (the proportion of solar energy that reaches the panels and is actually converted into useful energy) is between 15% and 18%. But these smaller panels will be more efficient relative to their size, meaning it will be easier to power homes with free, renewable energy – a change that could significantly reduce monthly energy bills.
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