Yes, but there are fibre-coupled detectors that work at longer wavelengths. The only reason for using long wavelengths is that there are lots of low-cost parts around (including fibre splitters) that are used in GPON networks. The voltage per diode will of course be lower with long wavelength devices. John #
They are also very small and expensive. There is no reason one cannot use diode lasers (or LEDs?) at a wavelength suited to silicon solar cells. Likewise the fibers that carry the light from laser to solar cell. If one uses two solar cells facing one another in a V with fiber emitting into the groove, reflections off the solar cell faces won't matter, and the entire output of the fiber will be absorbed.
To carry power, step-index glass fiber is suitable. Here is one example, available in small quantity:
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Joe
Quantum dot solar cells can be tuned for peak response in the IR and are beginning to show reasonable efficiency in the lab.
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