GOALI: Quantum structures and nanostructure-based photon management for high-efficiency photovoltaics

研究目标和方法本研究的目的是研究利用金属和介电纳米结构通过光学散射改善薄膜太阳能电池的吸收，并探索其在地面和航空航天光伏系统中的应用。这种方法是基于基于GaAs/InGaAs/InAs量子阱的异质结太阳能电池，这种电池的最大功率转换效率在45%到60%以上。使用金属和介电纳米结构在器件内进行散射和光捕获，将使非常薄的器件层在选定的波长范围内提高吸收效率。得克萨斯大学奥斯汀分校和波音公司将在探索基本器件物理和光伏系统应用方面进行合作。智力价值将阐明量子井和相关多波段太阳能电池的物理、设计和制造方面的基本问题。了解金属和介电纳米结构与半导体器件之间的相互作用，特别是关于纳米结构的设计和实现对薄膜半导体中光子传播和吸收的控制。广泛的影响拟议的工作可能对可再生能源产生重大影响，特别是在聚光光伏系统中，并可能推动集成半导体、金属和介电纳米结构的广泛的器件概念。向大一的电气工程专业学生介绍光伏和太阳能、高级设计项目以及校企合作，将为广大学生提供接触最先进能源技术的机会，并提供一条快速技术转移的途径。

Research Objectives and ApproachesThe object of this research is to investigate the use of metal and dielectric nanostructures to enable, via optical scattering, improved absorption in thin-film solar cells, and to explore applications in terrestrial and aerospace photovoltaic systems. The approach is based on GaAs/InGaAs/InAs quantum well-based heterostructure solar cells, which have been postulated to offer maximum power conversion efficiencies of ~45% to over 60%. Use of metal and dielectric nanostructures for scattering and light trapping within devices will enable absorption efficiency to be improved over selected wavelength ranges in very thin device layers. The University of Texas at Austin and Boeing will collaborate in exploring both basic device physics and photovoltaic system applications.Intellectual MeritFundamental issues in the physics, design, and fabrication of quantum-well and related multiband solar cells will be elucidated. Understanding of the interaction between metal and dielectric nanostructures and semiconductor devices, particularly with regard to the design of nanophotonic structures and achieving control over photon propagation and absorption within thin-film semiconductors, will be advanced.Broader ImpactsThe proposed work could have a major impact on renewable power generation, particularly in concentrating photovoltaic systems, and could advance a broad range of device concepts in which semiconductor, metal, and dielectric nanostructures are integrated. Introduction of freshman electrical engineering students to photovoltaics and solar energy, senior-level design projects, and university-industrial collaboration will provide a broad range of students with exposure to state of the art energy technology and provide a path for rapid technology transfer.