SCIENCE FICTION….OR JUST NEW SCIENCE

We have all enjoyed watching science fiction movies like Minority Report and Iron Man that display futuristic technology by using transparent computers and transparent smart phones.

These science fiction features may soon become reality due to development by a team of researchers from Kogakuin University. This team has developed a transparent, solar powered battery that could be used for smart phones, computers and even products like “smart” windows that allow light to pass through them, allowing automatic tinting, all the while collecting and storing energy.

This team of scientists were able to shrink down the electrodes enough to allow light to pass through them. They have been working on this technology for the past four years. This came on the heels of a team of researchers at Stanford University came up with a see-through battery that was also bendable. They unveiled a nearly transparent prototype that was charged separately by a solar panel. They then worked on integrating solar-charging the battery.

This technology was unveiled at the annual technology convention “Innovation Japan” earlier this month.

Plans are to extend this technology to consumer electronics, with displays and cases made of the material to help keep consumer electronics operating outdoors or even by other types of lighting.

Although this is an exciting breakthrough, much more testing must be done before this science fiction becomes science reality.

For more information on how to make you home or business more energy efficient, contact one of our Advisors today at (800) 920-4631.

Matthew Helland
Senior Vice President