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MIT Photodiode System Could Improve Gas Mileage

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 24, 2006 -- MIT researchers said they are applying new materials, new technologies and new ideas to radically improve an old concept -- thermophotovoltaic (TPV) conversion of light into electricity. They said their first practical use of the technology will be to take air-conditioning and heating power systems away from automobile engines and onto photodiodes to improve fuel efficiency. MIT professor John Kassakian (center) examines a thermophotovoltaic device late last month with graduate students Ivan Celanovic and Natalija Jovanovic. (Photo: Donna Coveney) Rather than using the engine to turn a...Read full article

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    Published: May 2006
    Glossary
    gallium antimonide
    A binary semiconductor compound used as a substrate or active layer for diode lasers.
    light
    Electromagnetic radiation detectable by the eye, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 750 nm. In photonic applications light can be considered to cover the nonvisible portion of the spectrum which includes the ultraviolet and the infrared.
    photodiode
    A two-electrode, radiation-sensitive junction formed in a semiconductor material in which the reverse current varies with illumination. Photodiodes are used for the detection of optical power and for the conversion of optical power to electrical power. See avalanche photodiode; PIN photodiode.
    photonics
    The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The science includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components and instruments, lasers and other light sources, fiber optics, electro-optical instrumentation, related hardware and electronics, and sophisticated systems. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and...
    thermophotovoltaic
    Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) refers to a technology that converts heat energy into electricity using the principles of thermophotovoltaics. In a thermophotovoltaic system, thermal radiation from a heat source is converted into photons, which are then absorbed by a semiconductor photovoltaic (PV) cell, generating electrical power. Key components and principles of thermophotovoltaic systems include: Heat source: A heat source, such as a combustor or other thermal source, is used to generate...
    Consumerelectricityenergyfuelgallium antimonideKassakianLEESlightlight-harvestingMaterialsMITNews & FeaturesphotodiodephotonicssemiconductorsthermophotovoltaicTPVtungsten

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