Avalanche effect Researchers at TU Delft and the FOM Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter have found irrefutable proof that the so-called avalanche effect by electrons occurs in specific semi conducting crystals.
Delen
This physical effect could lead to cheap, high-output solar cells. The findings were published in scientific journal ‘Nano Letters’. Solar cells provide great opportunities for future large-scale electricity generation. However, there are currently significant limitations, such as the relatively low output of most solar cells and high manufacturing costs. One possible improvement could derive from a new type of solar cell made of semi conducting nanocrystals. In conventional solar cells, one photon releases precisely one electron. In some semi conducting nanocrystals, however, one photon releases two or three electrons, hence the term avalanche effect. This could theoretically lead to a maximum output of 44 percent in solar cells comprising the correct semi conducting nanocrystals. Moreover, these solar cells can be manufactured relatively cheaply. The avalanche effect was first measured by researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratories in 2004. Until now, the scientific world had questioned the value of these measurements.
DNA-repair
For the first time, researchers at TU Delft have witnessed the spontaneous repair of damage to DNA molecules in real time. They observed this at the level of a single DNA molecule. Insight into this type of repair mechanism is essential as errors in this process can lead to the development of cancerous cells. Researchers from the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft will publish their findings in the scientific journal ‘Molecular Cell’. Cells have mechanisms for repairing the continuous accidental damage occurring in DNA, which ranges from a change in a single part of the DNA to a total break in the DNA structure. These breaks can occur during cell division, when DNA molecules split and form two new DNA molecules. If this type of break isn’t properly repaired, it can lead to the creation of a cancerous cell. One major DNA-repair mechanism involved in repairing these breaks is known as homologous recombination. This mechanism has been observed for the first time by TU Delft researchers in real time and at the level of a single DNA molecule.
Duwind
The Delft University Wind Energy Research Institute . Duwind . signed an agreement with the American Sandia National Laboratories on May 7, 2008. Sandia Laboratories designs science-based technology for the United States’ national security. The areas of research include renewable energy. Duwind and Sandia will conduct joint research and issue publications on rotor blades for the very large wind turbines of the future. An exchange program for students and researchers will also be set up. The first joint experiments will be held next autumn in the new Aerospace Engineering wind tunnel: models of rotor blades from Delft and Albuquerque, New Mexico, will be tested under the same conditions. The Scientific Director of Duwind, Prof. Gijs van Kuik, is pleased with the new agreement: “Duwind and Sandia are both working on new designs for rotor blades. These designs will make it easier for the forces on the rotor blades to be controlled much more effectively, which mean their weight can be reduced. This agreement will enable us to compare our various designs and solutions, and to apply the best overall combination.”
Election results
According to provisional election results of 23 May 2008, the Central Election Committee hereby declares that the following candidates have been elected for the 10-member TU Delft Student Council: From the ORAS party: Roel Rutgers, Paul Geurts, Céline Gaffel, Rouijar Manouchehri, Menno van der Kamp, Bineke Verdegaal, Paul Wigt, and Hannah Saers; and from ‘Het Principe’ party: Renske van Slooten and Aljen Uitbeijerse.
Entrepreneurs
TU Delft, 13 other educational institutions, and ABN AMRO bank are now organizing the ABN AMRO 2008 Entrepreneurial Summer School, which will be held from July 7-11. This is an opportunity to develop your business idea into a successful business plan and win a prize of € 5,000, as well as the support from professionals at the ABN AMRO bank for one year. For more information and to register, go to the website.
Avalanche effect
Researchers at TU Delft and the FOM Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter have found irrefutable proof that the so-called avalanche effect by electrons occurs in specific semi conducting crystals. This physical effect could lead to cheap, high-output solar cells. The findings were published in scientific journal ‘Nano Letters’. Solar cells provide great opportunities for future large-scale electricity generation. However, there are currently significant limitations, such as the relatively low output of most solar cells and high manufacturing costs. One possible improvement could derive from a new type of solar cell made of semi conducting nanocrystals. In conventional solar cells, one photon releases precisely one electron. In some semi conducting nanocrystals, however, one photon releases two or three electrons, hence the term avalanche effect. This could theoretically lead to a maximum output of 44 percent in solar cells comprising the correct semi conducting nanocrystals. Moreover, these solar cells can be manufactured relatively cheaply. The avalanche effect was first measured by researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratories in 2004. Until now, the scientific world had questioned the value of these measurements.
DNA-repair
For the first time, researchers at TU Delft have witnessed the spontaneous repair of damage to DNA molecules in real time. They observed this at the level of a single DNA molecule. Insight into this type of repair mechanism is essential as errors in this process can lead to the development of cancerous cells. Researchers from the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft will publish their findings in the scientific journal ‘Molecular Cell’. Cells have mechanisms for repairing the continuous accidental damage occurring in DNA, which ranges from a change in a single part of the DNA to a total break in the DNA structure. These breaks can occur during cell division, when DNA molecules split and form two new DNA molecules. If this type of break isn’t properly repaired, it can lead to the creation of a cancerous cell. One major DNA-repair mechanism involved in repairing these breaks is known as homologous recombination. This mechanism has been observed for the first time by TU Delft researchers in real time and at the level of a single DNA molecule.
Duwind
The Delft University Wind Energy Research Institute . Duwind . signed an agreement with the American Sandia National Laboratories on May 7, 2008. Sandia Laboratories designs science-based technology for the United States’ national security. The areas of research include renewable energy. Duwind and Sandia will conduct joint research and issue publications on rotor blades for the very large wind turbines of the future. An exchange program for students and researchers will also be set up. The first joint experiments will be held next autumn in the new Aerospace Engineering wind tunnel: models of rotor blades from Delft and Albuquerque, New Mexico, will be tested under the same conditions. The Scientific Director of Duwind, Prof. Gijs van Kuik, is pleased with the new agreement: “Duwind and Sandia are both working on new designs for rotor blades. These designs will make it easier for the forces on the rotor blades to be controlled much more effectively, which mean their weight can be reduced. This agreement will enable us to compare our various designs and solutions, and to apply the best overall combination.”
Election results
According to provisional election results of 23 May 2008, the Central Election Committee hereby declares that the following candidates have been elected for the 10-member TU Delft Student Council: From the ORAS party: Roel Rutgers, Paul Geurts, Céline Gaffel, Rouijar Manouchehri, Menno van der Kamp, Bineke Verdegaal, Paul Wigt, and Hannah Saers; and from ‘Het Principe’ party: Renske van Slooten and Aljen Uitbeijerse.
Entrepreneurs
TU Delft, 13 other educational institutions, and ABN AMRO bank are now organizing the ABN AMRO 2008 Entrepreneurial Summer School, which will be held from July 7-11. This is an opportunity to develop your business idea into a successful business plan and win a prize of € 5,000, as well as the support from professionals at the ABN AMRO bank for one year. For more information and to register, go to the website.
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