IBM has revealed a new technique that can turn some of the 3 million silicon chip wafers that are scrapped each year into useful solar cells. Either it's an unusually 'green' move for an industry known for its nasty chemicals, or a way of garnering extra cash from rubbish... but since all it involves is a little water and elbow-grease, it seems like a great idea. More illumination after the jump......
By scrubbing away the failed etched circuits from damaged wafers, IBM's technique is not trying to particularly prepare the surface to become nice eco-friendly watt-generators... instead it's to erase any design IP that may have been present. What a litigious world, eh?
With a shortfall in supply of solar cells as demand rapidly grows, the water-based polishing technique (which is a greener alternative than yet more chemical etching) can easily be used to make clean sheets which can be turned into more cells to help fill the gap in supply. Considering that 3 million wafers could be turned into cells that generate 13 megawatts of power, that's a result that should please everyone.
Why's there a shortfall? It might have something to do with a huge demand in Germany in 2004 due to Government green subsidies which sapped global supplies ... or could it be to do with these huge ones, currenly being wiggled around in orbit as you read .... ?
(via CNET News, images from IBM and NASA) UPDATE FOR ADDY/JESUS: Got this one online before a couple of the big players... it's a sciencey-gadgety article which plays into my expertise and what I'm interested in.
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