Scientists create electricity from the coldest space in the universe

Infrared semiconductor device takes advantage of the temperature difference between earth and space to produce electricity even at night.

The international scientific research team showed for the first time that a large amount of electricity can be generated directly in diodes from the coldest place in the universe without sunlight.

The scientist has installed a device in an extremely low temperature space, which will create a cold energy source by using the optoelectronic physics that we used to harness energy. solar. This is an infrared semiconductor device , taking advantage of the temperature difference between Earth and space to produce electricity.

Diagram of equipment to generate electricity has the same principle as solar cells.(Photo: Curiosmos).

The study is published in the journal Applied Physics Letters, which is considered a potential solution in generating electricity like the sun but during day and night. In the study, the scientists explained how their cathode light emitting diode could produce about 64 nanoWatt / m ² .

Although it is only a small amount of electricity, it is important evidence for improving the quantum electronic nature of the device. In theory, the device can produce nearly 4 Watt / m ² in a negative temperature environment, enough for the equipment to operate at night. In fact, solar panels in use can generate about 100 to 200 Watt / m ² .