Plasmon‑assisted solar nanocells

Research area one: plasmon-assisted solar nanocells

Plasmon-assisted solar energy conversion will be investigated with metal nanostructures used to scatter solar radiation to improve coupling to semiconductor photovoltaic elements. To improve efficiency, new concepts will be applied, namely the use of metamaterials and intermediate-bandgap quantum dots as active elements. Devices will be designed to improve efficiencies of thin-film solar cells by interface engineering to enhance charge generation/separation and reduce loss mechanisms, such as interfacial charge recombination.

This research will engage trainees in current advanced work relevant to Canadian industry and enable them to participate in close-to-commercial-device design work.