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On the ACE-H-2 experiment what we're doing is we're looking
at a nanoparticle haloing system.
We're looking at a bimodal particle size distribution,
and a bimodal particle charge distribution.
Which will help stabilize the entire system.
We're trying to determine what is the exact nature
of the stabilization mechanism, and then how we can utilize
that to actually create crystal structures in three-dimensions.
One of the key issues that we run
into when we perform these experiments on the ground,
is that gravity forces the crystallization to happen
on a two-dimensional surface.
Which means that we only can get one type of crystal structure.
And we know that that crystal structure is based only
on the large particles.
It does not incorporate the small particles.
By doing these experiments in microgravity, we're hoping
to be able to drive the crystallization
of both the large and small particles simultaneously
so that we can incorporate both particles
into the ultimate structure.
One of the key aspects of this work is
to determine exactly what is the mechanism
of nanoparticle haloing.
Because that is one of the biggest questions that exist
in literature currently.
Additionally, it allows us to actually move more
from a theoretical perspective into the applied aspect
of the work, where it can actually start utilizing
nanoparticle haloing for direct application.
One of the primary applications is in the development
of quantum dot based solar cells.
Where you're going to use the small particles
to generate a charge when it's hit by a photon of light.
And you're going to use the large particle
as your charge carrier to drive charge to the electrodes.
Another area is the development of photonic crystals,
specifically for switching in the telecommunications industry.
Where you sometimes need to go from an optical signal
to an electrical signal; back to an optical signal.
We can get rid of that center point
and just do a complete optical signal all the way
through the stretching process.