But as much as 75 percent of the light generated is lost through the polarizers.

ENGADGET: Photovoltaic polarizers could make self-charging smartphone dreams come true

From the point of view of energy use, current LCD polarizers are inefficient, the researchers said.

ENGADGET: Photovoltaic polarizers could make self-charging smartphone dreams come true

Tiny liquid crystal molecules are sandwiched between the two polarizers, and these crystals can be switched by tiny transistors to act as light valves.

ENGADGET: Photovoltaic polarizers could make self-charging smartphone dreams come true

The UCLA engineers have created a novel concept for harvesting and recycling energy for electronic devices - one that involves equipping these devices' LCD screens with built-in photovoltaic polarizers, allowing them to convert ambient light, sunlight and their own backlight into electricity.

ENGADGET: Photovoltaic polarizers could make self-charging smartphone dreams come true