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

研究目的与方法本研究的目的是开发一种“整流天线”装置，可以同时收集和整流太阳辐射从红外到可见光。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，能够以可再现的方式制造数千个纳米级几何非对称隧道结的阵列。一个集成的程序设备制造，表征和数值模拟将提供深入了解设备设计，旨在创造更大的阵列（以利用更多功率）和更小的连接间隙（以达到可见光谱）。智力上的优点直到由本研究小组开发的选择性原子层沉积的出现，还不可能制造能够利用从红外到可见光的太阳能的实用的和可再现的整流天线阵列。所提出的整流天线阵列的制造、表征和建模将导致对这些器件的物理过程的更多理解，这将大大增加固体领域-更广泛的影响由两所大学和一家行业分包商合作开发的太阳能转换设备有可能彻底改变绿色太阳能发电通过提高效率、降低成本和提供新的经济机会来提高技术。一个大的，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。四名教师和两个行业分包商已被证明与代表性不足的群体，包括妇女，少数民族，国际同事和学生的工作经验。

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.