Improving the efficiency of a dye-sensitized solar cell with a reflex condenser system.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are inexpensive to manufacture and easy to process in comparison with silicone solar cells, but they are difficult to commercialize due to their low efficiency. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to improve the efficiency of a DSSC via an aluminum film reflective plate, reusing discarded light after it was absorbed. We found that the factor having the most dominant influence on DSSC efficiency was the amount of radiation reacting with the dye.

Improving the efficiency of a dye-sensitized solar cell with a reflex condenser system.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are inexpensive to manufacture and easy to process in comparison with silicone solar cells, but they are difficult to commercialize due to their low efficiency. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to improve the efficiency of a DSSC via an aluminum film reflective plate, reusing discarded light after it was absorbed. We found that the factor having the most dominant influence on DSSC efficiency was the amount of radiation reacting with the dye.

The characteristics of machined surface controlled by multi tip arrayed tool and high speed spindle.

In this study, we propose one of the ultra-precision machining methods that can be adapted brittle material as well as soft material by using multi arrayed diamond tips and high speed spindle. Conventional machining method is too hard to control surface roughness and surface texture against brittle material because particles of grinding tools are irregular size and material can be fragile. Therefore we were able to design tool paths and machine controlled pattern on surface by multi arrayed diamond tips which has uniform size made in MEMS fabrication and high speed spindle of which maximum speed is about 300,000 rpm.

The characteristics of variable speed inchworm stage using lever mechanism by different materials.

Currently, piezoelectric actuators which have attractive features such as high output force, high positioning resolution, high stiffness and quick response have been used in many ultra precision stages. But their positioning ranges are very small. This very limited displacement severely restricts the actuator's immediate implementation for long-range positioning.

Surface patterning for brittle amorphous material using nanoindenter-based mechanochemical nanofabrication.

This paper demonstrates a micro/nanoscale surface patterning technology for brittle material using mechanical and chemical processes. Fused silica was scratched with a Berkovich tip under various normal loads from several mN to several tens of mN with various tip rotations. The scratched substrate was then chemically etched in hydrofluoric solution to evaluate the chemical properties of the different deformed layers produced under various mechanical scratching conditions.