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

合作研究：纳米级、几何不对称隧道结的光电研究，用于收集和校正红外到可见光

• 批准号: 1231248
• 负责人: Brian Willis
• 金额: $ 30万
• 依托单位: University of Connecticut
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2012-11-01 至 2016-10-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1231248&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Collaborative; Research; Electro; optical; Studies

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.

研究目标和方法这项研究的目标是开发一种“整流管”装置，同时收集和校正太阳辐射从红外到可见光。这种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、表征和数值模拟的集成程序将提供对器件设计的洞察，这些器件旨在创建更大的阵列(以利用更多的功率)和较小的结间隙(以达到可见光谱)。智能优点直到目前的研究团队开发出选择性原子层沉积之前，还不可能制造出实用和可重复的整流天线阵列，这种阵列可以利用从红外到可见光的太阳能。建议的整流天线阵列的制造、表征和建模将使人们更好地了解这些器件背后的物理过程，这将极大地促进固态器件物理和太阳能转换技术研究领域的发展。广泛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。一大批不同的研究生、本科生和高中生将获得广泛的研究经验和培训。四名教员和两名行业分包商拥有与代表性不足的群体合作的成熟经验，包括妇女、少数族裔以及国际同事和学生。