Photovoltaic cell
A photovoltaic cell is a solid state device that uses the photovoltaic effect to generate electrical energy using the potential difference that arises between materials when the surface of the cell is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. A photovoltaic cell is commonly used for detecting radiation (for example, infrared detectors[1]), measurement of light intensity (such as in measuring optical density[2]), chemical processes (for example, spectrophotometry), and for conversion of light energy to electricity in conversion photovoltaic cells (when only the solar light is converted they are called solar cells). The photovoltaic cell was developed in 1954 at Bell Laboratories.[3]
Materials presently used for photovoltaic cells include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium selenide/sulfide. [4]
Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into DC current and, at best, are about 30% efficient.[5] Large arrays of photovoltaic cells exposed to sunlight are used to produce solar power.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Photovoltaic infrared detectors". http://pdf.directindustry.com/pdf/vigo-system/photovoltaic-infrared-detectors/38567-22984.html. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
- ^ "Photovoltaic measurement of optical density on a linear scale". http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0022-3735/9/11/025. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
- ^ K. A. Tsokos, Physics for the IB Diploma Fifth edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2008
- ^ Mark Z. Jacobson (2009). Review of Solutions to Global Warming, Air Pollution, and Energy Security p. 4.
- ^ http://www.newenergy.org/sesci/publications/pamphlets/photovoltaic.html
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