Solar cells gain efficiency by emitting light in fewer directions

Researchers propose reducing Boltzmann loss in solar cells by limiting the directions in which photons leave the cell. This should improve the conversion of sunlight into electricity.

• Boltzmann loss is one of the key mechanisms reducing solar cell efficiency
• Part of the energy is lost as heat, and low-energy photons pass through without generating current
• Restricting the directions of light emission helps cut these losses