Thesis: Up-conversion of near-infrared light for increasing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells

This MSc project aims to demonstrate that an increase in efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is possible via up-conversion (UC) of near infrared (NIR) photons that have less energy than the bandgap of the absorbing semiconductor. These photons are commonly lost and described as transparency losses, which is one of the major loss mechanisms and efficiency limiting factors for PV devices. PSCs are currently attracting a lot of R&D attention worldwide due to the rapid increase in reported efficiencies in only a few years since their original invention. However, the transparency losses remain and therefore UC of this part of the spectrum can have a major impact in further increasing their efficiency and market potential.
Inorganic crystalline materials doped with ions of rare-earth (RE) elements can perform efficient UC of NIR light. The scope of the project is the fabrication and optimization of a UC layer by embedding UC microcrystalline material (available in our group) into a polymer film. The film will be optically characterized (absorption, transmission, emission), then combined with a PSC and finally, the PSC will be electrically characterized PV using laser excitation.


Further information on the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT): www.imt.kit.edu

Weitere Informationen

Unternehmen

Helmholtz Gemeinschaft

Bereich/Abteilung

KIT Karlsruher Institut für Technologie - Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)

Abschlussart

Masterarbeit

Ansprechpartner/in

Dr. Efthymios Klampaftis, IMT, phone: +49 721 608-22761 (e-mail: efthymios.klampaftis@kit.edu)Dr. Andrey Turshatov, IMT,phone: +49 721 608-28398 (e-mail: andrey.turshatov@kit.edu), Dr. Ulrich Paetzold, IMT,phone: +49 721 608-26357

Please apply with all relevant documents (eg CV, certificates, Training) preferably online or by mail or in writing, mentioning the Job vacancy number IMT 08-17 to:

Ms Berger
Personalentwicklung und Berufliche Ausbildung (PEBA) - Abteilung Berufliche Ausbildung,

Branche

Forschung und Entwicklung

Anforderungen

We are looking for a candidate with a strong affinity for conceptual and experimental work. The facilities of IMT will provide a perfect environment for insights in interdisciplinary work between physics, material science and electrical engineering. Prior experience with lasers and/or UV/vis/NIR spectroscopy will be advantageous.

Field of study: Mechanical engineering, materials science, physics.

Zusatzinformationen

Starting date: March-May 2017