Student research opportunities
High resolution optical characterization of solar cells
Project Code: CECS_896
This project is available at the following levels:
PhD
Please note that this project is only for higher degree (postgraduate) applicants.
Keywords:
Photovoltaics Solar Cells Optics Nanophotonics
Supervisor:
Dr Tom WhiteOutline:
Many new solar cell designs incorporate micro or nano-scale features, such as localized doping regions, light-trapping surface textures and nanostructured absorbing layers. Studying the detailed properties of these features requires high-resolution measurement techniques. This project is aimed at developing such techniques, including micro-photoluminescence imaging and nano-scale photocurrent mapping to better understand the optical and electronic properties of new solar cell designs.
Goals of this project
Develop high-resolution scanning imaging techniques for micro-PL and photocurrent imaging of solar cells.
Model opto-electronic interactions in solar cells under different local illumination conditions to aid interpretation of experimental results.
Measure local light trapping and carrier extraction properties of new solar cell designs.
Requirements/Prerequisites
Students should have a strong background in optics/photonics and semiconductor physics.
Student Gain
Expertise in solar cell characterization techniques.
Learn advanced optical characterization methods based on confocal and near-field optical microscopy.
Understanding of opto-electronic interactions and carrier dynamics in solar cells.
Background Literature
Background reading materials can be provided on request
