This proposal requests support for dissertation enhancement research by Michael Levy, student of Dr. Christina Honsberg, at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mr. Levy plans to work with Professors Antonio Luque and Antonio Marti at the Instituto de Energia Solar at the University of Madrid, in Spain, headed by Professor Luque.
Scientific Merit. The focus of the proposed work is to develop realistic band structure and transport models for solar cells that include quantum wells and quantum dots and apply these to quantum-dot intermediate band solar cells. The purpose of the work is to advance the theory of quantum-dot devices and identification of suitable material technologies.
Broader Impact. The development of improved performance photovoltaics underpins many critical applications of photovoltaics. For example, high-efficiency photovoltaics are presently required on satellite applications spanning communications, security, and navigation. The environmental benefits and the ability of photovoltaics to provide low-cost electricity requires substantially increasing efficiency or developing new lower cost approaches that allow moderate efficiency. Quantum dot devices have been demonstrated using low lost growth and materials.
