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Complete absorption of light

24.12.2008

The Americans have created a coating that absorbs 96,21% of the sunlight falling on it from any angle.

A conventional silicon solar cell can convert no more than 67,4% of the light falling on it into electricity. Since its efficiency is already low - in the best samples it approaches 40% - each lost quantum reduces efficiency, which means it increases the cost of solar electricity. Moreover, the battery must expend energy on turning - in order to always remain at the optimal angle to the incident rays. Otherwise, many rays will be reflected from the polished silicon surface.

Scientists from Rensselaer University, led by Professor Ling Shuanyu, have created a coating that allows a solar cell to absorb light from almost any direction.

This coating consists of seven layers with a thickness of 50 to 100 microns. In each of them, titanium dioxide nanorods placed in a silicon dioxide matrix are located at a certain angle to the surface. Rays of light are scattered in the resulting "forest" and, in the end, fall on the battery, but they can no longer break out.

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Good music promotes good teamwork 12.09.2016

Melodious music in cafes or pulsating electronic beats in teen clothing stores are used to influence consumer behavior. But how does this affect employees?

Cornell University researchers studied this issue in the laboratory and found that music can have a significant impact on the corporate spirit of those who listen to it.

For the study, participants were grouped into teams of three. Each member of the collective had tokens, and there were several options: either use them to promote their team, or save the tokens for personal use.

When the Beatles' upbeat and upbeat music was played, team members were more likely to contribute to the group's success. When the music was loud and annoying, in this case heavy metal, the participants preferred to keep the tokens for themselves. The researchers found that the levels of contribution to the public good during upbeat songs were about a third higher compared to less pleasant music.

When scientists conducted a second experiment on how people react when music is not playing, the results were the same as with the heavy metal style. The researchers concluded that happy music provokes people to make better team-building decisions more frequently.

Scientists suggest that managers of retail establishments take into account not only the quality of customer service, but also the choice of musical style. This will help make employees happier and improve their teamwork.

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