Nanophotonic tandem designs for high efficiency solar cells

In this project, we will develop high-efficiency tandem solar cells that combine established silicon cell technology with novel low-cost thin-film solar cells. We will incorporate nanostructured layers between the cells that selectively trap different wavelengths of light, maximizing light absorption in the top cell. This will make it possible to use a very thin top cell, reducing the requirements on electronic quality of the material. We will also develop self-assembly techniques to enable the new nanostructures to be fabricated quickly and cheaply but with a high degree of control. Such cells will allow open the door to higher efficiencies, and lower costs, than is achievable with conventional solar cells.