Nanoshells trap light for more efficient solar panels

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NASA seeks public input on how to cut SLS and Orion costs

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You still have to visit a dealer to finish the deal, but it's easier than usual.

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The Department of Justice has laid out its expectations for smart gun manufacturers.

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You can send them straight to your recipient's email address.

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Scientists at Stanford are hard at work trying to improve the efficiency and durability of solar panels -- two key factors that have kept the Sun from becoming a more popular source of energy. Their latest effort involves nanocrystalline-silicon, a material that has proven resilient and highly conductive, but not very good at absorbing light. Their solution, nanoshells -- hollowed out spheres of silicon that trap and recirculate light much like a whispering gallery does sound. Balls of the crystalline material are dipped in silicon, then hydrofluoric acid is used to eat way the center of the sphere, leaving a path for light to enter. The shells trap the light, allowing more of it to be absorbed, and also reduces the effect of non-optimal angles on energy production. Hit up the source for a few more details.

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