According to a report from the Physicist Organization Network on January 29 (Beijing time), researchers at the University of California, Davis, have made a groundbreaking discovery using computer simulations. They found that a special "silicon BC8" structure can generate multiple electron-hole pairs from a single photon, which could significantly boost solar cell efficiency. The study was recently published in *Physical Review Letters*, marking an important step forward in renewable energy research. Solar cells operate based on the photoelectric effect, where a photon strikes a silicon crystal and creates an electron-hole pair. These pairs are then collected to produce electricity. However, traditional solar cells only generate one pair per photon, limiting their theoretical maximum efficiency to around 33%. The new approach, however, allows for multiple pairs to be generated from a single photon, opening up new possibilities for higher efficiency. The team used the supercomputer at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to simulate the behavior of silicon BC8. This unique structure is formed under high pressure but remains stable at normal conditions. The simulation showed that BC8 nanoparticles can create multiple electron-hole pairs even when exposed to visible light, which is a major breakthrough. Stephen Weiberman, the lead author of the study, said that this method could push the maximum efficiency of solar cells up to 42%, surpassing current technologies. He added, "If we use parabolic reflectors to concentrate sunlight onto these new solar cells, we believe their efficiency could reach as high as 70%." This could revolutionize how we harness solar power in the future. Despite the promising results, there are still challenges. Current models combining silicon BC8 with traditional nanoparticles only work under ultraviolet light, not visible light. However, earlier research from Harvard and MIT showed that laser or chemical pressure can induce the formation of BC8 nanocrystals in regular silicon. This suggests that existing solar cells might be upgraded to high-efficiency versions through such techniques. Bottom Suction Submersible Pump Bottom Suction Submersible Pump,High Head Sewage Pump,Multi-Stage Sewage Pump,Bottom Suction Sump Pump,Mine Sewage Pump Zhengzhou Shenlong Pump Industry CO.,Ltd , https://www.waterpump-manufacturer.com