Joseph H. Simmons, PhD.
Professor and Department Head
Co-Director of Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
The University of Arizona

Photovoltaics and the Role of Semiconductor Quantum Dots in High Efficiency Solar Cells

The operation of solar cells is described in the context of obtaining high conversion efficiency.  Different approaches considered to hold promise for conversion efficiencies above 40 percent are reviewed.  This is followed by a discussion of the optical and electronic properties of semiconductor quantum dots and why they hold some promise for higher efficiencies.  Results of ongoing research in quantum-dot-based solar cells are presented.

Please join us for refreshments at 10:45 a.m.