WASHINGTON -- Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
(NRL), Electronics Science and Technology Division, dive into
underwater photovoltaic research to develop high bandgap solar
cells capable of producing sufficient power to operate
electronic sensor systems at depths of 9 meters. Underwater
autonomous systems and sensor platforms are severely limited by
the lack of long endurance power sources. To date, these systems
must rely on on-shore power, batteries or solar power supplied
by an above water platform. Attempts to use photovoltaics have
had limited success, primarily due to the lack of penetrating
sunlight and the use of solar cells optimized more towards the
unimpeded terrestrial solar spectrum. "The use of autonomous
systems to provide situational awareness and long-term
environment monitoring underwater is increasing," said Phillip
Jenkins, head, NRL Imagers and Detectors Section. "Although
water absorbs sunlight, the technical challenge is to develop a
solar cell that can efficiently conver