EAGER: Engineering Defect Structure in Nanocrystalline Silicon: A Fundamental Study Using Scanning Probe Microscopy

EARLY概念探索性研究资助（EAGER）奖的目的是阐明氢化纳米晶Si（nc-Si：H）亚稳性的基本微观过程。 氢化纳米晶硅（nc-Si：H）具有良好的光电性能，是制备高性价比光电子器件和高性能光电器件的重要材料。 然而，使用现有技术生产的nc-Si：H的电性能在光暴露下由于亚稳态缺陷的产生而劣化（光诱导劣化）。 缺陷的起源及其对光吸收和电荷传输的影响在纳米尺度上已经争论了很长时间。 这项研究将利用基于扫描探针显微镜的光电特性和第一性原理模拟电荷传输通过晶体和非晶区域的独特组合，以量化亚稳态的各种微观过程的作用。如果成功，这种跨学科的合作努力将有助于开发高度稳定的nc-Si：H，可以纳入先进的太阳能电池设计。 拟议的努力将鼓励美洲原住民参与高等教育。 美国原住民占南达科他州人口的8.5%，吸引这一群体进入科技领域一直是一个挑战。 SDSU的工程学院制定了一项积极的外展计划，以激励美国原住民高中学生接受高等教育（SDSU-Flandreau印第安学校成功学院）。 该项目包括为美洲土著高中和中学生举办一个太阳能讲习班。 一个新的研究生课程在纳米成像的光伏材料将开发，多个研究生和本科生课程将得到加强。

The objective of this EArly-Concept Grant for Exploratory Research (EAGER) award is to elucidate the fundamental microscopic processes that are responsible for metastability in hydrogenated nanocrystalline Si (nc-Si:H). Hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) with improved optoelectronic properties is important for cost-effective photovoltaics and high-performance optoelectronic devices. However, the electrical properties of nc-Si:H produced using existing technologies degrade under light exposure (light induced degradation) due to the generation of metastable defects. The origin of the defects and their effect on light absorption and charge transport at the nanoscale has been under debate for a long time. The proposed study will utilize a unique combination of novel scanning probe microscopy-based optoelectronic characterization and first-principles simulation of charge transport through crystalline and amorphous regions to quantify the role of various microscopic processes underlying the metastability.If successful, this interdisciplinary collaborative effort will help develop highly stable nc-Si:H that can be incorporated into advanced solar cell designs. The proposed effort will encourage the participation of Native Americans into higher education. Native Americans represent about 8.5% of the population in South Dakota, and attracting this community into science and technology areas has been a challenge. SDSU's College of Engineering has developed an active outreach program to motivate Native American high-school students towards higher education (SDSU-Flandreau Indian School Success Academy). This project includes a workshop on solar energy for Native American high-school and middle-school students. A new graduate course in nanoscale imaging of PV materials will be developed, and multiple graduate and undergraduate courses will be enhanced.