New research shows Blu-Ray discs can be used to manufacture more efficient solar panels. The unusual blue spectrum of colors seen on the disc is apparently capable of capturing light and producing green energy.

Called structural color, this color prism is usually seen in Blu-Rasy discs. This process works by using microscopic, translucent shapes that react with photons to create color instead of using light frequencies that are reflected from the surface.

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In order to function, solar cells like Blu-Ray discs must capture light. The networks in the microscopic ridges carved into solar devices determine the efficiency of the panels when it comes to capturing sunlight on their surfaces.

These patterns are extremely hard to produce and expensive so this makes its applications impractical.

These patterns found in Blu-Ray discs are also found in nature like the wings of certain butterfly species.

According to a study conducted by Northwestern University researchers, Blu-Ray discs serve as an affordable alternative as opposed to costly customized patterned solar panels.

The team used scissors to trim the edges of a disc. They poured some melted plastic on the etched surface and let the polymer dry overnight.

The team made their own solar cells when they stamped the devices using a plastic mold. Others were left smooth to control it during the experiment.

These processes produced a quasi-random pattern that collects desired light wavelengths. If the surface of the disc is too random, it can't direct specific wavelength. If it's too patterned and structured, it can only direct the photons in a specific frequency.

According to Jiaxing Huang from the Northwestern University, the results were a big surprise when it came to this quasi-random pattern that worked so well.

Blu-Ray discs were originally manufactured by Sony in the early 2000s to replace the DVD format. These hold more information than any previous home entertainment technology.

Researchers revealed the efficiency of solar panels using Blu-Ray discs increased by a huge 21.8 percent. The Blu-Ray disc used in this study was apparently Jackie Chan's Police Story 3: Super Cop.

This study was published in the journal, Nature Communications.

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