|
A native of New Zealand, MacDiarmid was a chemist at the University of Pennsylvania, where he worked with Alan Heeger and Hideki Shirakawa on developing new plastic compounds. Normally, plastic is an insulator, but in 1977 the three scientists figured out a way to make plastic conduct electricity, which enabled a variety of new materials such as the electroluminescent displays on cell phones, solar panels, and optical amplifiers. The material was so revolutionary the three men were awarded the 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. "Prior to 1977, the only uses for plastics were structural," said Ohio State University physicist Arthur Epstein -- "Styrofoam cups, nylons, polyester for clothes." In his honor, Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, where MacDiarmid studied, created the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. Weakened by myelodysplastic syndrome (a blood disorder formerly known as "pre-leukemia", which was completely unrelated to his work), MacDiarmid fell down a flight of stairs at his home on February 7, killing him. He was 79. From This is True for 4 February 2007 Suggestions for further reading:
 By: Rik DeGunther List Price: $19.99 Amazon Price: $13.59 Editorial Review: Want to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether you’re looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power Your Home For Dummies takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you! This friendly, hands-on guide is packed with tips for making your home more energy-efficient though solar power—and helping the planet at the same time. You’ll see how to survey your home to determine your current household energy efficiency and use, and evaluate where solar power would best benefit you. You’ll also calculate what the return on your investment will be before you make any decisions. Once you’ve decided on a project, you’ll see whether it’s best to hire a contractor or do it yourself. We leave no stone unturned—you’ll also discover how to: Choose and install your best solar system Handle small to large solar projects Heat and cool your house with solar energy Install exterior solar lighting Handle swimming pool, water heater, or ventilation solar projects Create greenhouses or solar rooms Build, buy, or sell a solar home Finance your solar investments Take advantage of tax rebates and incentives associated with solar power Avoid the worst solar mistakes Featuring ten of the easiest and cheapest do-it-yourself solar projects, Solar Power Your Home For Dummies is the fun and easy way to meet your energy needs with this clean power source!  By: Jenny Nelson List Price: $46.00 Amazon Price: $34.04 Editorial Review: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics of the photovoltaic cell. It is suitable for undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers new to the field. It covers: basic physics of semiconductors in photovoltaic devices; physical models of solar cell operation; characteristics and design of common types of solar cell; and approaches to increasing solar cell efficiency. The text explains the terms and concepts of solar cell device physics and shows the reader how to formulate and solve relevant physical problems. Exercises and worked solutions are included. Contents: Photons In, Electrons Out: Basic Principles of PV; Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors; Generation and Recombination; Junctions; Analysis of the p n Junction; Monocrystalline Solar Cells; Thin Film Solar Cells; Managing Light; Over the Limit: Strategies for Higher Efficiency.  By: Richard J. Komp List Price: $18.95 Amazon Price: $12.89 Editorial Review: Practical Photovoltaics, the now-classic reference on solar electricity, offers a unique combination of technical discussion and practical advice. Physicist, lecturer, and solar-home dweller Richard Komp explains the "how" and the "how-to" of PV, while providing valuable information on the industry, new developments, and the future. The book is a comprehensive guide to the theory and reality of solar electricity, as well as a detailed installation and maintenance manual. A well-illustrated appendix offers step-by-step instructions for constructing your own solar module, a creative approach to demystifying the technology. Presented in a clear, concise, and understandable style, Dr. Komp's contribution to PV literature has been called the "best single reference available," "the easiest and most complete education on photovoltaics," "one of the best basic books on PV," and "the best of the books."  By: M.A. Green List Price: $54.95 Amazon Price: $49.46 Editorial Review: Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity, is now the fastest growing technology for electricity generation. Present "first generation" products use the same silicon wafers as in microelectronics. "Second generation" thin-films, now entering the market, have the potential to greatly improve the economics by eliminating material costs. Martin Green, one of the world’s foremost photovoltaic researchers, argues in this book that "second generation" photovoltaics will eventually reach its own material cost constraints, engendering a "third generation" of high performance thin-films. The book explores, self-consistently, the energy conversion potential of advanced approaches for improving photovoltaic performance and outlines possible implementation paths.  By: John A. DuffieWilliam A. Beckman List Price: $135.00 Amazon Price: $108.00 Editorial Review: The updated, cornerstone engineering resource of solar energy theory and applications. Solar technologies already provide energy for heat, light, hot water, electricity, and cooling for homes, businesses, and industry. Because solar energy only accounts for one-tenth of a percent of primary energy demand, relatively small increases in market penetration can lead to very rapid growth rates in the industryâwhich is exactly what has been projected for coming years as the world moves away from carbon-based energy production. Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Third Edition provides the latest thinking and practices for engineering solar technologies and using them in various markets. This Third Edition of the acknowledged leading book on solar engineering features: Complete coverage of basic theory, systems design, and applications Updated material on such cutting-edge topics as photovoltaics and wind power systems New homework problems and exercises |
About the HUs
About This is True
Prev: Nasdaq founder Gordon S. Macklin Next: Educator Walter Sondheim Jr |