Improved solar cell efficiency through the use of an additive nanostructure-based optical downshifter
Subtitle: final subcontract report January 28, 2010 - February 28, 2011
By: Juanita Kurtin, SpectraWatt, Inc
Contributors: SpectraWatt, Inc; National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Series: NREL/SR -- 5200-51381; NREL/SR -- 5200-51381.
Publisher: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Golden, CO
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 14
Subjects: Solar cells; Research; Quantum dots; Photovoltaic cells
Description: This final report summarizes SpectraWatt's progress in achieving a boost in solar cell efficiency using an optical downshifter. Spectrawatt's downshifting technology is based on a nanostructured material system which absorbs high energy (short wavelength) light and reemits it at a lower energy (long wavelength) with high efficiency. This system has shown unprecedented performance parameters including near unity quantum yield and high thermal stability. The downshifter technology consists of a luminescent layer composed of chromophores embedded in a transparent matrix that is optically coupled to the solar cell. A fraction of the blue light incident on the luminescent material is absorbed by the chromophores (the fraction absorbed depends on chromophore loading) and re-emitted into the solar cell as red light. All other photons are absorbed by the solar cell directly. The chromophore that generates the optical properties is a Quantum Dot Heterostructure (QDH). Incorporation of the silica-encased QDH into PV encapsulants must be minimally disrupted to existing fabrication sequences of solar cell modules and, preferably, at no cost beyond that of the requisite materials.
Notes: Title from title screen (NREL, viewed May 9, 2011).

"May 2011."

Includes bibliographical references.

Prepared under Subcontract No. NEU-0-99010-10 DE-AC36-08GO28308 PV101199

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