GOALI: Quantum structures and nanostructure-based photon management for high-efficiency photovoltaics

研究目标和方法本研究的目的是调查使用金属和介电纳米结构，使通过光散射，提高薄膜太阳能电池的吸收，并探索在陆地和航空航天光伏系统的应用。 该方法是基于GaAs/InGaAs/InAs量子阱异质结构太阳能电池，已被假定为提供最大的功率转换效率约45%至60%以上。 使用金属和电介质纳米结构用于器件内的散射和光捕获将使得能够在非常薄的器件层中在选定的波长范围内提高吸收效率。 德克萨斯大学奥斯汀分校和波音公司将在探索基础器件物理和光伏系统应用方面进行合作。知识产权将阐明量子阱和相关多波段太阳能电池的物理、设计和制造方面的基本问题。 对金属和介电纳米结构与半导体器件之间相互作用的理解，特别是关于纳米光子结构的设计和实现对薄膜半导体内光子传播和吸收的控制，将得到推进。并且可以推进其中集成了半导体、金属和电介质纳米结构的宽范围的器件概念。 将大一电气工程专业的学生引入到光化学和太阳能，高级设计项目以及大学与工业的合作中，将为广大学生提供接触最先进能源技术的机会，并为快速技术转移提供途径。

Research Objectives and ApproachesThe object of this research is to investigate the use of metal and dielectric nanostructures to enable, via optical scattering, improved absorption in thin-film solar cells, and to explore applications in terrestrial and aerospace photovoltaic systems. The approach is based on GaAs/InGaAs/InAs quantum well-based heterostructure solar cells, which have been postulated to offer maximum power conversion efficiencies of ~45% to over 60%. Use of metal and dielectric nanostructures for scattering and light trapping within devices will enable absorption efficiency to be improved over selected wavelength ranges in very thin device layers. The University of Texas at Austin and Boeing will collaborate in exploring both basic device physics and photovoltaic system applications.Intellectual MeritFundamental issues in the physics, design, and fabrication of quantum-well and related multiband solar cells will be elucidated. Understanding of the interaction between metal and dielectric nanostructures and semiconductor devices, particularly with regard to the design of nanophotonic structures and achieving control over photon propagation and absorption within thin-film semiconductors, will be advanced.Broader ImpactsThe proposed work could have a major impact on renewable power generation, particularly in concentrating photovoltaic systems, and could advance a broad range of device concepts in which semiconductor, metal, and dielectric nanostructures are integrated. Introduction of freshman electrical engineering students to photovoltaics and solar energy, senior-level design projects, and university-industrial collaboration will provide a broad range of students with exposure to state of the art energy technology and provide a path for rapid technology transfer.