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Studying moths to improve solar cells

The inspirational part is based on the ocular system of nocturnal moths, which are formed from a series compound lenses. These micro-size lenses, termed ommatidia, are, in turn, composed of a repeating pattern of nanoscale sphere-shaped bumps. The ommatidia function to minimize reflection of light across the electromagnetic spectrum. The anti-reflective glare shield allows the moth to have a very efficient form of night vision.

The function of the ommatidia to capture light and also to retain it interested a group of scientists seeking to make solar cells more energy efficient. Taking the basis of the moth eye, researchers have constructed a solar cell that mimics the complex lens structure to in form of surface patterns across the solar cell. The means of reproducing the microscopic imprints is called “nanoimprint lithography.” This works by using a nickle mold to create structures some 200 nanometers in diameter onto a polycarbonate surface. To this a series of slightly larger lens-shaped molds are added. Nanoimprint lithography has been used to fabricate devices for electrical, optical, photonic and biological applications.

This process reproduces the form of the eye of a moth and it has proved to be very effective in terms of retaining energy. The efficiency is close to 95 percent, suggesting that this technology could readily enhance the performance of optoelectronic devices. The success of the pilot has been sufficient for the research team to begin work on constructing a larger scale model using 3D printing technology.

The research was performed by technologists working at the Agency for Science, Technology & Research in Singapore. The study findings have been reported to the journal ACS Nano. The paper goes by the lengthy title of: “Multiscale Ommatidial Arrays with Broadband and Omnidirectional Antireflection and Antifogging Properties by Sacrificial Layer Mediated Nanoimprinting.”

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Written By

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

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