| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/H44868/01 |
| Title: |
PROPOSAL TO RESEARCH HIGHER EFFICIENCY SOLAR CELLS OF NOVEL DESIGN |
| Principal Investigator: |
Barnham, Professor K |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Physics |
| Organisation: |
Imperial College London |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 1992 |
Ends: |
30 September 1995 |
Value (£): |
80,385
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Optoelect. Devices & Circuits |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The quantum well solar cell is a novel device which has the potential to convert sunlight directly to electricity with higher efficiency than conventional cells. Quantum wells are now extensively used in lasers and optical modulators but have not previously been applied t solar cells. The quantum wells enable a wider range of the sun's radiation to be absorbed. We have demonstrated the principle by doubling the efficiency of some test devices in comparison with identical samples without wells. These first tests were made in white lamp-light rather than sunlight. They did not use the best solar cell materials which are more promising for higher efficiency in sunlight. We will also be studying systems with deeper wells. Our results so far suggest that these systems should have advantages in light concentration systems. They offer the prospect not only of higher efficiencies but also lower cost.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.imperial.ac.uk |