Effective Conversion due to Nano-Engineered Photocarrier Kinetics in Quantum Dot Medium

研究目标和方法本研究的目标是为单结量子点太阳能电池的高效光伏转换提供科学、工程和技术基础，该电池采用专门设计的量子点介质，用于有效地捕获和转换亚带隙光子。所提出的方法是基于对光电子过程的纳米工程，通过操纵调制掺杂的GaAs光伏结构中带有内置电荷的InAs量子点产生的电势分布。该研究计划是来自布法罗大学和奥尔巴尼大学(UB和UA)的两个具有互补专业知识的研究小组共同努力的结果；它包括量子点太阳能电池的设计、制造和系统表征。智能价值通过定制特定的纳米级电势来实现光载流子动力学的纳米工程是光伏转换中的一种新颖的原创性方法。通过提供所需的基本和技术基础，该计划开发了提高转换效率的有效方法。广泛影响本研究期间开发的方法和原理将适用于一些具有量子点和纳米晶体的光伏器件。该项目还将通过其对教育的贡献产生更广泛的影响：(I)两所大学之间为期1-2周的学生交流；(Ii)对于K-1年级的学生，继续开发现代电子和纳米技术实验室；(Iii)通过Java小应用程序将信息技术纳入能源转换；(Iv)继续参加Robert McNair针对历史上代表性不足的学生的计划；(V)通过在布法罗科学馆的互动展览以及在布法罗大学和华盛顿大学的各种介绍，促进纳米技术。

Research Objectives and ApproachesThe objective of this research is to develop a scientific, engineering, and technological basis for high efficiency photovoltaic conversion in a single junction quantum dot solar cell with specifically designed quantum dot medium for effective harvesting and conversion of sub-bandgap photons. The proposed approach is based on nanoscale engineering of the photoelectron processes by manipulation of potential profiles produced by InAs quantum dots with built-in charge in modulation-doped GaAs photovoltaic structures. The research program is a collaborative effort of two research groups with complementary expertise from Universities at Buffalo and Albany (UB and UA); it includes design, fabrication, and systematic characterization of quantum dot solar cells. Intellectual MeritNanoengineering of photocarrier kinetics via tailoring the specific nanoscale potential is a novel original approach in photovoltaic conversion. By providing the needed fundamental and technological basis, this program develops effective ways for increasing the conversion efficiency.Broader ImpactsThe methodology and principles developed during this research will be applicable to a number of photovoltaic devices with quantum dots and nanocrystals. The project will also have broader impact through its contributions to education: (i) 1-2 week student exchange between the two Universities; (ii) for K-1 students, continuing development of modern electronics and nanotechnology laboratories; (iii) incorporation of the information technologies via Java Applets for energy conversion; (iv) continuing participation in Robert McNair program for historically under-represented students; (v) promotion of nanotechnology via interactive exhibit at the Buffalo Science Museum and various presentations at UB and UA.