NU 2014-130

Inventors

Jiaxing Huang*

Cheng Sun

Chen Wang

Alexander Smith

Short Description

A novel solar cell manufacturing process using repurposed Blu-ray discs

Abstract

Northwestern researchers have developed a novel purpose for Blu-Ray Discs - photon management. Efficient absorption of light in solar cells or light emitting diodes (LEDs) is crucial for electronic material to operate optimally. To achieve the highest efficiency, bumps and divots of various sizes and shapes are patterned to 'trap' light within the absorbing layer. The most optimal patterns have features that are smaller than the wavelength of light (< 350 nm). However, solar cell fabrication using current lithography techniques is costly and requires specialty equipment. Northwestern researchers have developed a cost-effective and scalable way to manufacture solar cells. Their novel method imprints necessary features of thin film organic solar cells on repurposed Blu-ray discs. Random and quasi-random texturing of solar cells (photovoltaics) achieved by this method improves the efficiency of translating light energy into usable electricity by trapping photons. This creative and environmentally-friendly process reflects the further capabilities in repurposing low-cost consumer products for high-end, value-added applications.

Applications

• Photovoltaic devices with either inorganic or organic material
• Photonic devices that require the optimization of light absorption or emission
• Broadband photonic coupler

Advantages

• Reduces cost compared to traditional nanopatterning
• Offers high scalability
• Enables simpler manufacturing process
• Increases performance of patterned device
• Decreases environmental waste of Blu-ray discs by repurposing

Publications

Smith A, Wang C, Guo D, Sun C, Huang J (2014) Repurposing blu-ray movie discs as quasi-random nanoimprinting templates for photon management. Nature Communications 5: 5517.

IP Status

Issued US Patent No. 9,786,845