Company Profile

PI Energy was founded to develop a cost-disruptive solar energy collector using sub-micron structured photonic materials. The novel approach for the energy capture materials innovation was inspired by the founder’s work in the area of high energy radiation effects on sensitive electronics as well as photonically functional nano-scale structures that occur in nature. After the proof-of-concept prototype was successfully demonstrated, multiple other applications in markets outside solar energy became apparent. PI Energy has developed a technology platform to directly convert light energy using nano-photonic materials that enables new classes of commercializable devices across several markets.PI Energy’s innovation in sub-micron scale structured materials allows for new ways to convert light using very thin layered surfaces of common and inexpensive materials. A key functionality of PI Energy’s technology platform involves surface plasmons, which are rapid density waves of electrons that can be generated when light hits a surface of a metal at about 100,000 times higher frequency than most modern electronics. PI Energy’s nano-photonic technology platform converts light using arrays of sub-micron scale optical structure. PI Energy’s technology platform is a foil made from very thin layers of common materials that provide the following manufacturing benefits: Low capital equipment cost; Low manufacturing cost; Low energy cost. PI Energy’s goal is to broadly commercialize its technology across multiple markets. For the solar market, PI Energy’s technology platform has the potential for light energy conversion below the cost of fossil fuel. This application is different than traditional PV because it does not utilize a p-n bandgap to separate charges generated from the light-matter interaction. The application is sensitive in low light conditions to a broad range of wavelengths from the visible through IR. PI Energy plans to produce its new thin film collector from abundant low-cost materials using inexpensive roll-to-toll equipment. For the gas sensor market, PI Energy is developing a novel optical sensor technology for use in remote sensing applications, allowing for detection of hazardous gases from a safe distance. PI Energy has also developed a broad set of hardware and software tools for designing, building, and testing new devices. PI Energy has multiple patents pending on its nano-photonic technology platform.