Patent ID: 7442320
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: B82Y,H01G,H01L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A nanostructured material, comprising: (a) a first nano-network formed from a plurality of Si quantum dots that are at least one of fused and interconnected; and (b) a second nano-network coupled to said first nano-network and formed from a plurality of Ge quantum dots that are at least one of fused and interconnected, said plurality of Si quantum dots having a first peak size that is from about 1 nm to about 20 nm, said plurality of Ge quantum dots having a second peak size that is greater than said first peak size to define a staggered band offset between said first nano-network and said second nano-network, said nanostructured material being configured to absorb light to produce a first type of charge carrier and a second type of charge carrier, said first type of charge carrier separating into said first nano-network in accordance with said staggered band offset and being-transported in said first nano-network, said second type of charge carrier separating into said second nano-network in accordance with said staggered band offset and being transported in said second nano-network, said nanostructured material having an absorption coefficient that is at least 10