Nunostructured semiconductors for high-efficiency thin film photovoltaic devices

Altair Center proposes to develop a revolutionary new technology for simple and low cost fabrication of high-efficiency thin-film photovoltaic cells employing nunostructured semiconductor materials. New technique for modification of the semiconductormaterials is used to create metal nanoclusters in the near surface region of semiconductor dramatically improving efficiency of the photovoltaic cells. The nanoclusters improve the photovoltaic conversion efficiency at different wavelengths, enhanceeffective light trapping and simultaneously dramatically decrease refractive index of the semiconductor material in its near-surface region minimizing the light reflection. The process of modification of semiconductors is performed at room temperaturewithout using any expensive clean room facilities and harmful chemicals. This makes the proposed technology very cost efficient and simple for commercial realization. Phase I of the program will address to demonstrating key issues of the proposedtechnology, via mathematical modeling, laboratory experiments, fabrication and characterization of CdTe and CIS thin-film photovoltaic materials with improved performance. This will lead to technology optimization, fabrication and testing of the prototypephotovoltaic cells during Phase II of the project, with the final product delivered to DoD.The proposed technology is critical for improving performance of many different photovoltaic devices having important industrial, scientific and militaryapplications including spaceborne applications, radio electronic and communication equipment, photodetectors, street lights and highway warning signs, security systems, offshore platforms, emergency power systems, etc.