Home > News > Quantum dots could boost solar cell efficiency
March 16th, 2009
Quantum dots could boost solar cell efficiency
Abstract:
Solar cells may soon be more efficient than previously thought possible, thanks to a recent result from the PULSE Institute for Ultrafast Energy Science, a joint institute of DOE's SLAC National Accelerator Center and Stanford University. The PULSE researchers confirmed the results of a Los Alamos National Laboratory experiment that measured one photon of light generating more than one electron of electricity in a so-called "quantum dot"—a sphere made of only a few thousand atoms. Scientists previously assumed that one photon could excite exactly one electron, limiting the efficiency of solar cells. Using a slightly different experimental method than previous such experiments, the PULSE researchers confirmed the Los Alamos findings and determined that a single photon can excite as many as three electrons in a quantum dot. The next step in the quest for efficient solar power is to build a solar cell that uses quantum dots to realize this efficiency.
Source:
Department of Energy
Bookmark:
| Related News Press |
News and information
New compound unleashes the immune system on metastases September 8th, 2023
Machine learning contributes to better quantum error correction September 8th, 2023
Tests find no free-standing nanotubes released from tire tread wear September 8th, 2023
Possible Futures
New compound unleashes the immune system on metastases September 8th, 2023
Machine learning contributes to better quantum error correction September 8th, 2023
Tests find no free-standing nanotubes released from tire tread wear September 8th, 2023
Announcements
Electronic detection of DNA nanoballs enables simple pathogen detection Peer-Reviewed Publication September 8th, 2023
Training quantum computers: physicists win prestigious IBM Award September 8th, 2023
Machine learning contributes to better quantum error correction September 8th, 2023
Tests find no free-standing nanotubes released from tire tread wear September 8th, 2023
Quantum Dots/Rods
IOP Publishing celebrates World Quantum Day with the announcement of a special quantum collection and the winners of two prestigious quantum awards April 14th, 2023
Qubits on strong stimulants: Researchers find ways to improve the storage time of quantum information in a spin rich material January 27th, 2023
NIST’s grid of quantum islands could reveal secrets for powerful technologies November 18th, 2022
Research improves upon conventional LED displays: With new technology, LEDs can be more cost-efficient and last longer September 9th, 2022
Solar/Photovoltaic
A universal HCl-assistant powder-to-powder strategy for preparing lead-free perovskites March 24th, 2023
Stability of perovskite solar cells reaches next milestone January 27th, 2023
New method addresses problem with perovskite solar cells: NREL researchers provide growth approach that boosts efficiency, stability December 29th, 2022
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||