KEYWORDS: Diodes, Nonlinear dynamics, Frequency conversion, Antennas, Solar cells, Nonlinear optics, Plasmonics, Solar energy, Photovoltaics, Energy efficiency, Molecules, Harmonic generation
A photovoltaic technology that is not limited to the Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit and that is amenable to low-cost and large-area production requirements is studied in our team. The principle is based on the optical rectification of sunlight. Quarter-wave antennas allow the conversion of optical waves into a potential that is maximum at the tip of the antennas. We use molecules to rectify the potential. We study the rectification at the top of our antennas using the formalism and instrumentation of nonlinear optics. We monitor simultaneously the optical rectification and harmonic generation effects. Careful analysis of the tensorial response of the process allows studying the nature of the rectification happening in various types of nano-structured diodes. The enhancement of the nonlinearity related to the nonlinear process is discussed. It reveals the key ingredients needed to achieve efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity using optical rectification.
Nonlinear absorption was investigated in a poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) PCBM fullerene blend, one of the most popular organic solar cell’s materials. We observed three-photon absorption in the bulk hetero junction photodiode configuration. The output photocurrent of the photodiode was interpreted in terms of the three-photon absorption properties of the P3HT:PCBM blend at 1550 nm.
Can the concept be extrapolated to high efficiency solar cells?
We propose an optical antenna technology revisited with plasmonics and organic rectifiers that should permit the development of an ultra-high efficiency PV technology that is compatible with large-area fabrication (self assembling) and low-cost (plastic) technologies.
Nonlinear absorption is investigated in a poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) PCBM fullerene blend, one of the most popular organic solar cell’s materials. We observe three-photon absorption in the bulk hetero junction photodiode configuration. The output photocurrent of the photodiode is interpreted in terms of the three-photon absorption properties of the P3HT:PCBM blend at 1550 nm.
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