Collaborative Research: Electro-optical Studies of Nanoscale, Geometrically-Asymmetric Tunnel Junctions for Collection and Rectification of Light from Infrared through Visible

研究目标和方法本研究的目标是开发一种“整流天线”装置，可以同时收集和校正从红外到可见光的太阳辐射。该方法是使用选择性原子层沉积，这是研究人员开发的一种工艺，能够以可重复的方式制造数千个纳米级、几何不对称的隧道结阵列。器件制造、表征和数值建模的集成程序将为器件设计提供见解，旨在创建更大的阵列（利用更多的功率）和更小的结隙（达到可见光谱）。智力成就：在由目前的研究小组开发的选择性原子层沉积技术出现之前，制造实用的、可重复的整流天线阵列是不可能的，这种整流天线阵列可以利用从红外到可见光的太阳能。所提出的整流天线阵列的制造、表征和建模将增加对这些器件背后的物理过程的理解，这将极大地促进固态器件物理学和太阳能转换技术研究领域的发展。更广泛的影响由两所大学和一个行业分包商合作开发的太阳能转换装置有可能通过提高效率、降低成本和提供新的经济机会来彻底改变绿色太阳能技术。一个庞大的、多样化的研究生、本科生和高中生群体将获得广泛的研究经验和培训。四名教职员工和两名行业分包商在与女性、少数民族、国际同事和学生等代表性不足的群体合作方面具有丰富的经验。

Research Objectives and ApproachesThe objective of this research is to develop a "rectenna" device that simultaneously collects and rectifies solar radiation from infrared to visible. The approach is to use selective atomic layer deposition, a process developed by the investigators, which is capable of fabricating arrays of thousands of nanoscopic, geometrically-asymmetric tunnel junctions in a reproducible manner. An integrated program of device fabrication, characterization, and numerical modeling will provide insight into device design aimed at creating larger arrays (to harness more power), and smaller junction gaps (to reach the visible spectrum).Intellectual MeritUntil the advent of selective atomic layer deposition, developed by the present team of researchers, it has not been possible to fabricate practical and reproducible rectenna arrays that can harness solar energy from the infrared through the visible. The fabrication, characterization, and modeling of the proposed rectenna arrays will lead to increased understanding of the physical processes underlying these devices, which will add greatly to the fields of solid-state device physics and solar power conversion technology research.Broader ImpactsThe solar power conversion device under development by this collaboration of two universities and an industry subcontractor has the potential to revolutionize green solar power technology by increasing efficiencies, reducing costs, and providing new economic opportunities. A large, diverse group of graduate, undergraduate, and high school students will acquire extensive research experience and training. The four faculty members and two industry subcontractors have proven experience working with underrepresented groups including, women, minorities, and international colleagues and students.