Scientists Make Foldable 3D Solar Cells around an Optical Fibre

Andrew Williams — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:45:11 +0000

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have made a three-dimensional photovoltaic solar cell around an optical fibre, a revolutionary new approach that could pave the way for a new generation of hyper-flexible solar systems.

According to team-leader Professor Zhong Lin Wang, “Using this technology, we can make photovoltaic generators that are foldable, concealed and mobile. Optical fibre could conduct sunlight into a building’s walls where the nanostructures would convert it to electricity. This is truly a three dimensional solar cell.”

Cool Tech of the Week: Cordless 3D Sensor

Michelle Bennett — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:22:12 +0000

It looks like a child’s toy from the 70s, but this new high-tech camera can record more than a simple Polaroid. It can create a 3D image of almost anything, and you can take it almost anywhere.

Developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena, Germany, the Kolibri CORDLESS is the size of a shoe box and it weighs a little over 2 lbs. No cables required, you just point and click. Several seconds later a detailed 3D image will appear on a laptop. From there you can analyze and use the digital model.

Green Options » 3D

Scientists Make Foldable 3D Solar Cells around an Optical Fibre

Cool Tech of the Week: Cordless 3D Sensor