[Graeme]

Devices Increase Potential For Flexible, Light-Weight Power

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'J')uly 27, 2005
Scientists and engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate have made significant advancements in developing flexible, organic-based solar cells and photodetectors that can be used in a variety of Air Force systems. Collaborative efforts between the directorate's Polymer Branch and Airbase Technologies Division are focused on exploring a diverse range of near-term applications for the technology, which include power generation for military tent structures and mobile military units, and eventually, power for satellites and communication systems.
Directorate scientists have explored two techniques for device development: one based on an all-polymer/organic material approach, and another dye sensitized, organic/inorganic material hybrid approach.
Finally, solar arrays and photodetectors for space satellites provide much longer-term applications if the most stringent requirements of the space environment can be overcome.