View PDF - Swinburne University of Technology

June 2009 swinburne
how to make that process more efficient.
A major focus of his research is the study
of photonic crystals – tiny structures that
can manipulate and control light by multiple
reflection. Professor Gu came up with the
idea of developing these photonic crystals to
act as solar cells – to convert light to energy
– and suggested it to Dr Shi.
Professor Gu says the new solar cells use a
combination of photonic crystals treated with
metallic nanoparticles, together with thin-film
photovoltaic technology. The combination
should enable the efficient collection of solar
energy in a wider colour range, making the
cells twice as efficient and significantly less
costly to make than other cells.
The new solar cells use nanoparticles to
trap light into a thin-film photovoltaic cell.
“Basically, if you can slow down the light
it will stay in the solar cell longer and thus
convert more light to electricity,” Professor
Gu says. “If you are able to trap the light
in the part of the solar cell where the
conversion is taking place, it becomes even
more efficient.”
Professor Gu and his colleagues have
already started work on a model cell, which
will be produced on a pilot scale at Suntech
in China.
“By working with Suntech in the
development phase, we can ensure the
technology can be transferred to the
production line,” he says.
Swinburne signed the agreement
with Suntech Power in April and each
organisation will contribute $3 million.
The project is also seeking funding from the
Victorian Government.
Professor Gu believes the group’s
combination of research and business
expertise will allow it to develop and
manufacture the revolutionary solar cells
within five years.
Although he has been approached by
other institutes to pursue similar research,
Dr Shi says he selected the Swinburne team
because of its expertise in nanotechnology,
which he believes will play an important role
in next-generation solar technology.
For solar power to succeed as a
replacement for existing methods of
generating electricity, it must be able to
compete with fossil fuel technologies in
terms of cost and performance and Dr Shi
believes that the new technology could lead
to solar power becoming as cheap as energy
derived from fossil fuels.
And, although Australian demand for
Nanophotonics Down Under 2009
A meeting will be held in Melbourne in June to discuss the emerging field
of nanophotonics, which is becoming increasingly important in photonics
applications such as solar energy, information technology, biomedicine and
consumer electronics.
Nanophotonics Down Under 2009 Devices and Applications (SMONP 2009)
will bring together international specialists from industry and academia
to identify key challenges in the emerging applications of nanophotonics.
The event will also provide a forum for scientists, engineers and industry
representatives to develop new strategic alliances and partnerships.
The program includes a public lecture on Sunday 21 June to increase
public awareness of the importance of nanophotonics in future technological
applications. The lecture, by Professor Martin Green from the University of
New South Wales, will focus on solar energy.
More information
• Nanophotonics Down Under 2009 Devices and Applications, 21-24 June, Melbourne
Convention and Exhibition Centre, www.smonp2009.com
solar power accounts for less than 1 per cent
of the total world market, he says there are
many positive indications for the future of
the industry in Australia, such as the growing
interest and public support for renewable
energy solutions.
The collaborative research group will
eventually be housed in Swinburne’s new
Advanced Technology Centre, a $130 million
development due for completion in
early 2011.
Dr Shi is a guest speaker at this year’s
Nanophotonics Down Under conference. ••
Contact. .
Swinburne University of Technology
1300 MY SWIN (1300 697 946)
magazine@swinburne.edu.au
www.swinburne.edu.au/magazine
Solar Power
11
IMAGINE
WITH ACCOUNTANTS.
How can calculators and balance sheets be used to combat crime?
Accounting Professor Suresh Cuganesan is a leading researcher in performance
measurement who is helping Victoria Police and the Australian Crime Commission
combat organised crime. Read all about it in Swinburne Magazine back issues,
available when you subscribe online at www.swinburne.edu.au/magazine
www.swinburne.edu.au/magazine
For more fascinating Swinburne discoveries, subscribe online for free.
QUESTION EVERYTHING
1300 MY SWIN
swinburne.edu.au/magazine
CRICOS Provider: 00111D