Researchers from Georgia State University, the University of Leeds in the UK, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China have discovered a way to use existing semiconductors to detect a far wider range of light than is now possible. The researchers see application for the technology in detectors, but also in improved solar cells that could absorb infrared light as well as the sun’s visible rays. A semiconductor is a material that will conduct an electromagnetic current, but an external energy source must be used to get those electrons moving. Since infrared light doesn’t carry a lot of energy, it won’t cause many semiconductors to react.The researchers worked around the problem by adding another light source to their device. The extra light source primes the semiconductor with energy. The new device can detect wavelengths up to at least the 55 micrometer range, whereas before the same detector could only see wavelengths of about 4 micrometers.
Source: EurekAlert
