The trick is to tune the crystal, by modifying the details of pattern, so that as much of the emitted energy as possible is at the frequency most efficiently captured by indium gallium arsenide.

ECONOMIST: Solar power

The other, which faces a specialised type of solar cell made of a material called indium gallium arsenide, is sculpted into a structure called a photonic crystal that causes it to emit infra-red radiation selectively at the frequency best absorbed by the cell.

ECONOMIST: Solar power

Many optical components are typically constructed using materials such as gallium arsenide and indium phosphide.

WSJ: IBM Claims Breakthrough in Laser-Based Chips

Sol Voltaics uses data from its indium phosphide nanowire research to project that its gallium arsenide nanowires will deliver a 25% efficiency gain.

FORBES: A Swedish Solar Startup's Nanowires Promise To Deliver A Big Energy Boost

With its patented InGaP-Plus (Indium Gallium Phosphide) technology, Anadigics may have leapfrogged over its AlGaAs (Aluminum Gallium Arsenide) competitors by enabling some 20% to 25% longer cell phone battery life.

FORBES: Anadigics Powers Up