ID :
89210
Thu, 11/12/2009 - 10:17
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/89210
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S. Korean engineers develop advanced sensor, solar cell material
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korean engineers have developed a "large" single crystal compound material that can be used to make next generation sensors and solar fuel cells, the government said Wednesday.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) team led by Ha Jang-ho
successfully fabricated the single crystal material made from cadmium, zinc and
tellurium (CZT) to a diameter of two inches, the Ministry of Education, Science
and Technology said.
The successful development makes South Korea the sixth country in the world after
France, the United States, Britain, Canada, Israel to make such a hi-tech
material.
Global demand for the CZT compound is on the rise since it can be used to make
radiation sensors to detect cancer growth, space telescopes, and solar energy
cells. It can also be utilized by countries to counter radioactive terrorist
threats caused by so-called dirty bombs.
"The compound has a high energy bandgap that permits sensors to operate without
additional cooling systems at room temperatures," Ha said. He said this
translates into smaller sized sensors.
The convergence technology expert, in addition, said that because the compound
has roughly twice the energy conversion capabilities compared to an ordinary
silicon-based semiconductor materials, it can be used to make more compact solar
cells.
"Laboratory tests showed that the overall electric qualities of the locally built
single crystal array is superior to imports," he claimed.
The science ministry, which provided research and development support, said the
breakthrough by KAERI engineers is noteworthy since other countries do not share
the manufacturing knowhow for the material.
It said indigenous development could allow the country to make inroads into the
future sensor and solar cell markets.
The global market related to various sensors using radiation stands at around
$1.1 billion and is expected to grow 10 percent annually in the near future. Of
the total, CZT sensors make up $30 million, although it is growing at a faster
pace compared to other arrays.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) team led by Ha Jang-ho
successfully fabricated the single crystal material made from cadmium, zinc and
tellurium (CZT) to a diameter of two inches, the Ministry of Education, Science
and Technology said.
The successful development makes South Korea the sixth country in the world after
France, the United States, Britain, Canada, Israel to make such a hi-tech
material.
Global demand for the CZT compound is on the rise since it can be used to make
radiation sensors to detect cancer growth, space telescopes, and solar energy
cells. It can also be utilized by countries to counter radioactive terrorist
threats caused by so-called dirty bombs.
"The compound has a high energy bandgap that permits sensors to operate without
additional cooling systems at room temperatures," Ha said. He said this
translates into smaller sized sensors.
The convergence technology expert, in addition, said that because the compound
has roughly twice the energy conversion capabilities compared to an ordinary
silicon-based semiconductor materials, it can be used to make more compact solar
cells.
"Laboratory tests showed that the overall electric qualities of the locally built
single crystal array is superior to imports," he claimed.
The science ministry, which provided research and development support, said the
breakthrough by KAERI engineers is noteworthy since other countries do not share
the manufacturing knowhow for the material.
It said indigenous development could allow the country to make inroads into the
future sensor and solar cell markets.
The global market related to various sensors using radiation stands at around
$1.1 billion and is expected to grow 10 percent annually in the near future. Of
the total, CZT sensors make up $30 million, although it is growing at a faster
pace compared to other arrays.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
