Science Discovery of the Month: Multi-layered Waveguide Taper Array
With the energy crisis getting increasingly urgent, there are new ways being developed to reduce energy usage, recycle energy, make energy usage more efficient, and increase sustainable energy sou
rces. One revolutionary solution came from Qiaoqiang Gan and his research team at the University of Buffalo.
Gan and his team have recently finished developing a multi-layered waveguide taper array. Put simply, it is microchip with thimble-shaped elements that, because of its unique shape, material make-up, and other properties, can capture every wavelength of visible light, some infrared wavelengths, terahertz, and even microwaves.
The wide base that narrows at near the top along with the varying thickness of the layers allows these structures to slow and then absorb each wavelength of light at different layers vertically along the thimble-shaped configurations.
Their ability to absorb a wide variety of light wavelengths give the new microchips considerable potential for application in the real world. One such application would be for solar panels to convert photons to energy. It would be able to absorb more of the spectrum than a typical traditional solar cell or thin-film photovoltaic cell (a kind of thinner, more flexible, and cheaper solar panel). The multi-layered waveguide taper array would increase the efficiency of solar power. Solar power could actually become a viable energy solution for the future with this new technology.
The multi-layered waveguide taper array could also be used to cloak vehicles, cars, and planes from sonar, radar, and infrared detection. This would be especially helpful to the military for times of war when it is crucial to avoid enemy detection. The microchips could cloak by absorbing the waves of whatever came the way of it to hide from the enemy.
New discoveries are being made every day to help build a better future. Hopefully, the multi-layered waveguide taper array will be used to solve the energy crisis and to protect our troops. With more research, the microchips could have even more applications to the world.
