Synthetic microspheres with nanoscale holes can absorb light from all directions across a wide range of frequencies, making the spheres a candidate for antireflective coatings, according to a team of Penn State engineers.

Photovoltaic cell efficiency may soon get a big boost, thanks to next-generation antireflection coatings crafted from nanomaterials capable of cutting down on the amount of light reflected away from a cell's surface.