The Daily Populous

Scientists design solar cell that captures nearly all energy of solar spectrum

The new design converts direct sunlight to electricity with 44.5 percent efficiency, giving it the potential to become the most efficient solar cell in the world.

The approach is different from the solar panels one might commonly see on rooftops or in fields.

The new device uses concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) panels that employ lenses to concentrate sunlight onto tiny, micro-scale solar cells.

By comparison, the most common solar cell today converts only a quarter of the available energy into electricity.

While scientists have worked towards more efficient solar cells for years, this approach has two novel aspects.

The novel GaSb-based solar cells are assembled into a stacked structure along with high efficiency solar cells grown on conventional substrates that capture shorter wavelength solar photons.

The study, "GaSb-based Solar Cells for Full Solar Spectrum Energy Harvesting," was published in Advanced Energy Materials on Monday. »

We need your voice as we continue the fight for net neutrality : blog

Authored by reddit.com

And today, that principle is exactly what net neutrality is all about: preserving an open internet with consumer choice and unimpeded access to information.

This is a bipartisan issue, and we at Reddit will continue to fight for it.

This is how we win: when every elected official realizes how vital net neutrality is to all of their constituents. »

If FCC gets its way, we’ll lose a lot more than net neutrality

Authored by arstechnica.com

It's possible the FCC could replace today's net neutrality rules with a weaker version, or it could decide to scrap net neutrality rules altogether.

Title II is "the most legally firm authority that we have... when it comes to protecting consumers," Clyburn told Ars this week.

The story won't be over at that point, because net neutrality advocates could sue in an attempt to re-instate the Title II decision. »

Known Alias: How Stephen King Was Outed as Richard Bachman

Authored by mentalfloss.com

It marked the beginning of the end for Bachman, who would soon perish, King wrote, owing to “cancer of the pseudonym.”.

With King’s permission, NAL began circulating Thinner with a credit that read, “Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman.”

“This is what Stephen King would write like if Stephen King could really write,” remarked one reviewer. »

Tech firms unite for 'net neutrality' protest

Authored by bbc.com

A host of internet giants - from social networks to dating apps to porn sites - will join a protest Wednesday against plans to roll back rules protecting "net neutrality".

Crowdfunding site Kickstarter will be involved, as will craft-selling site Etsy and dating app OkCupid.

Image copyright Eric Thayer/Getty Image caption FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has proposed reversing net neutrality rules for internet service providers. »