News From the Field Rutgers Physicists Find Unusual Electronic Properties in Bismuth-based Crystalline Material
February 19, 2009
|
Rutgers physicists have discovered unusual electronic properties in a material that has the potential to improve solar cell efficiency and computer chip design. They determined that a crystal made of bismuth, iron and oxygen can act as a reversible diode, and that diodes made from this material generate current when light falls on them. The material appears sensitive to light at the blue end of the spectrum, a property that could increase solar cell efficiency.
Full Story
|
Source Rutgers University
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.
Get News Updates by Email
Useful NSF Web Sites:
NSF Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov
NSF News: http://www.nsf.gov/news/
For the News Media: http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsroom.jsp
Science and Engineering Statistics: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/
Awards Searches: http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/
|