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Photons are used in solar cells to generate electric current and almost the same technology is used inside in digital camera where photos define the quality of the image being shot. Scientists at the University of Toronto have developed a new light sensor that takes advantage of the phenomenon of multi-exciton generation (MEG) for more efficient solar cells and better digital cameras.
In a solar cell photos are absorbed in a semiconductor and are used to generate excited electrons known as excitons. Under normal conditions each photon is used to generate at most one exciton, this phenomenon limits the amount of excitons generated, but the use of MEG sensors can increase the rate of excitons produced from a single photon of light. More excitons mean more energy generated from the same amount of incident light, which can dramatically increase the amount of energy generated.
Digital cameras too are destined to benefit from the research as the same technology can enable digital cameras take better pictures in low-light conditions, ending the grains and noise that is commonly seen when taking pictures under low light conditions in a digital camera.
Via: Gizmag
