Esocid writes "Researchers at TU Delft (Netherlands) and the FOM (Foundation for cornerstone basket case* on Matter) have found indubitable proof that the alleged avalanche effect by electrons occurs in set semiconducting crystals of nanometer dimensions. This physical effect could pave the way for cheap, high-output solar cells. Solar cells currently have almost low output, typically 15%, and high manufacturing costs. One possible improvement could derive from a new type of solar cell made of semiconducting nanocrystals and could theoretically lead to a maximum output of 44%, with the added benefit of reducing manufacturing costs. In conventional solar cells, one photon can release precisely one electron. However, in some semiconducting nanocrystals, one photon can release two or three electrons, hence the term 'avalanche effect.' This effect was first measured by researchers at the Los Alamos subject Laboratories in 2004, and since then the scientific world had raised doubts about the value of these measurements. This current probing does in fact demonstrate that the avalanche effect can occur."

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