News Article
GE Global Research discovers photovoltaic effect in ''Ideal'' Carbon Nanotube Diode
GE Global Research, the centralized research organization of the General Electric Company, has announced the development of an ideal carbon nanotube diode that operates at the "theoretical limit," or best possible performance.
GE Global Research, the centralized research organization of the General Electric Company, has announced the development of an ideal carbon nanotube diode that operates at the "theoretical limit," or best possible performance. This is a significant improvement upon the original nanotube diode device that GE developed and announced last year. This latest breakthrough will enable even smaller and faster electronic devices with increased functionality.
In the course of its research, the GE team led by Dr. Ji Ung Lee made a related discovery when it observed a photovoltaic effect in the nanotube diode device. This is a very significant development that could lead to new approaches and breakthroughs in photovoltaic research. Photovoltaics research is a key component of GE's Ecomagination initiative, which was launched in May. Ecomagination represents the company's commitment to aggressively drive and bring to market new technologies that help its customers address their most pressing energy and environmental challenges.
"GE's success in developing the 'perfect' carbon nanotube device has not only ushered in a new era in electronics, it has potentially opened new doors in solar energy research," said Margaret Blohm, GE's advanced technology leader for nanotechnology. "The discovery of a photovoltaic effect in our nanotube device could lead to exciting breakthroughs in solar cells that make them more efficient and a more viable alternative in the mainstream energy market.
Under Ecomagination, GE has pledged to more than double its level of investment in the development of new, environmental-friendly technologies from $700 million to $1.5 billion over the next five years. As part of this commitment, GE Global Research has an active program in photovoltaics that is investigating how to generate power from sunlight more cost effectively and more efficiently. The recent discovery of a photovoltaic effect in the carbon nanotube diode device will only help further the ongoing research efforts.
In addition to opening new doors in photovoltaics research, GE's carbon nanotube diode device could have many applications in computing, communications, power electronics and sensors.
In the course of its research, the GE team led by Dr. Ji Ung Lee made a related discovery when it observed a photovoltaic effect in the nanotube diode device. This is a very significant development that could lead to new approaches and breakthroughs in photovoltaic research. Photovoltaics research is a key component of GE's Ecomagination initiative, which was launched in May. Ecomagination represents the company's commitment to aggressively drive and bring to market new technologies that help its customers address their most pressing energy and environmental challenges.
"GE's success in developing the 'perfect' carbon nanotube device has not only ushered in a new era in electronics, it has potentially opened new doors in solar energy research," said Margaret Blohm, GE's advanced technology leader for nanotechnology. "The discovery of a photovoltaic effect in our nanotube device could lead to exciting breakthroughs in solar cells that make them more efficient and a more viable alternative in the mainstream energy market.
Under Ecomagination, GE has pledged to more than double its level of investment in the development of new, environmental-friendly technologies from $700 million to $1.5 billion over the next five years. As part of this commitment, GE Global Research has an active program in photovoltaics that is investigating how to generate power from sunlight more cost effectively and more efficiently. The recent discovery of a photovoltaic effect in the carbon nanotube diode device will only help further the ongoing research efforts.
In addition to opening new doors in photovoltaics research, GE's carbon nanotube diode device could have many applications in computing, communications, power electronics and sensors.
