May 18, 2026

Nanoscale device converts wasted infrared light into usable energy

Researchers have developed a nanoscale device that converts low-energy infrared and red light into higher-energy visible light, eventually improving solar panels, sensing technologies and advanced manufacturing systems.

(Nanowerk News) Published in Nature Photonics ("Structural exciton localization drives efficient solid-state sensitized triplet fusion upconversion"), the research addresses a longstanding problem in photonics: how to stop energy from being lost before it can be used.

That mechanism allowed the device to achieve photon conversion efficiencies of 8.2%, among the strongest reported for this type of architecture.

“This work demonstrates a big step forward,” says study lead author UNSW researcher Dr Thilini Ishwara.

“Achieving high efficiencies in films is difficult in these ultrathin molecular systems - good light absorption is needed and energy loss needs to be minimised.”

The work could have implications for industries looking to recover or reuse wasted infrared light.

In solar energy systems, for example, large amounts of low-energy light pass straight through conventional silicon cells unused and converting some of that light into visible wavelengths could improve overall performance.

The researchers say the approach may also be relevant to infrared sensing, photocatalysis, optical communications and next-generation additive manufacturing technologies such as volumetric 3D printing.

Importantly, the system operates in a solid-state structure compatible with semiconductor-style manufacturing, making it more commercially practical than earlier liquid-based approaches.

'We are keen to commercialise our technology,” says Dr Ishwara.

“It could be used for a range of techniques such as tumour treatment with deeper tissue penetration, cheap water purification, night vision, and 3D printing.'

The researchers also say that photochemical upconversion can boost the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Source: University of New South Wales (Note: Content may be edited for style and length)