“Science” is always busy with its developments in every field. Every passing day sees something new being discovered. The same thing happened with professor Mazur at the Harvard laboratory. Black silicon, an improvised form of silicon was obtained by passing it through vacuum chambers along with hydrogen hexafluoride, and then treating it with ultra-short, high intensity laser. A company by the name SiOnyx has then obtained exclusive rights to the University’s portfolio of black silicon patents

Black Silicon can absorb up to 98 percent of sunlight in both visible and infrared wavelengths and is 500 times more efficient compared to its counterpart. This property has been attributed to its microscopic equally spaced spike like structures, which trap the rays and bounce them towards each other preventing their reflection. This quality could make them suitable for building competent solar cells with no requirement for extra apparatus or amenities.

Black Silicon is now ready to revolutionize medical imaging and digital photography, and solar energy generation. Like all accidental discoveries, this shiny material too is bound to make great history.

Source: GoodCleanTech