Researchers from Northwestern University used a 1993 Jackie Chan movie as inspiration to test Blu-ray discs' solar cell efficiency.
A new paper from the Evanston school shows patterns on the surface of the discs not only are perfect for increasing efficiency but that solar panels can be more efficient by breaking up sunlight before it hits.
The school's first test was a copy of Chan's "Police Story 3: Supercop," but it turns out other Blu-ray discs work just as well.
"It’s as if electrical engineers and computer scientists developing the Blu-ray technology have been subconsciously doing our jobs," lead study author Jiaxing Huang said.
NBC News reports breaking up sunlight ensures an even exposure across the whole surface, and some patterns work better than others.
What works best? Video data burned into Blu-ray discs.
