Photovoltaic circuit makes solar-powered touchscreens possible, not yet plausible

What's cooler than the latest in technology? How about the latest in self-powering technology? University of Pennsylvania researchers have put together what seems like the world's first photovoltaic circuit, which is to say that the electronic parts of your devices will no longer have to just consume energy, they'll be able to harvest it directly from the sun. The most obvious application for this would be in smartphone touchscreens, which could recharge themselves while you sip your latte at the local sun-drenched coffee shop. Of course, such practical uses are still a fair distance away, as the team can generate only minuscule amounts of power at present, but the theory is in place and so is our attention. Don't let us down, Penn!

[BUNT2 Posted Feb 5th 2010 3:13AM]

It won't go further than a calculator or watch screen. Maybe a desk clock.

[LeJay Posted Feb 5th 2010 3:16AM]

@BUNT2
I agree, if there is anything we can learn from the advances in technology over the last century, it is that there is a clear and easy to predict limit to it.

[BUNT2 Posted Feb 5th 2010 3:24AM]

@LeJay
Even if this technology did develop past that point (and note right now it;s just hypothetical), other ideas like sola panels behind lcd screens/within the device are already being developed.

Also, who's going to be able to stand under the sun in 10 or 20 years time?

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 5th 2010 9:42AM]

@BUNT2 My Citizen watch face is a big old PV cell, all I have to do is make sure the watch sees about a half hour of light a week and it is good.

[Musicman247 Posted Feb 5th 2010 10:23AM]

Not sure about the title of the article. Plausible means truthful. I think the author used a better word (practical) in the actual article. The title makes it sound like the technology doesn't exist instead of it not being ready for mainstream.

[think before you react Posted Feb 5th 2010 3:17AM]

Every time I hear about new solar power technology break throughs, I think about the movie K-Pax. I think about how his race discovered limitless energy through a simply ray of light. I wonder if it's at all plausible and we're just barely catching a glimpse of what's possible- crazy. Oh, and good job University of Penn.

[Elaith Posted Feb 5th 2010 3:18AM]

Sounds like an impressive technology. I don't think I would make as much use of it with a smartphone as I would with a laptop, though. I simply don't find myself outside with my phone sitting out enough, I guess.

[k2001 Posted Feb 5th 2010 3:25AM]

I can't wait until this came to market.

[TriXsteR Posted Feb 5th 2010 3:25AM]

This + Car Windscreen + Samsung's transparent OLED display + touch interface = win

[Kev007 Posted Feb 6th 2010 1:21AM]

@TriXsteR
how about Natal style hand gestures?

[revoltracers Posted Feb 5th 2010 3:31AM]

Finally, an incentive to use digital devices outside.

[thegasman2000 Posted Feb 5th 2010 5:04AM]

Just need to make a phone screen that is VISIBLE outside now!

[Dan Fruzzetti Posted Feb 5th 2010 10:41AM]

Am I the only person who thinks he sees a clean-shaved ball sack in that picture?