In a surprising twist, researchers from Aalto University have recently developed a black silicon photodetector that has reached above 130% external quantum efficiency, sending the research team into a brief state of disbelief.

An external quantum efficiency of more than 100% means that one incoming photon generates more than one electron to the external circuit – a phenomenon that hasn’t been observed up until now since the presence of electrical and optical losses has reduced the number of collected electrons.

With new silicone photodectors that exceed 100% external quantum efficiency, light-detecting devices are about to get a massive boost