Researchers with the University of Oregon have recently conducted an experiment that could lead to improvements in the efficiency of solar energy.
A seven-member research team used a controlled sequence of laser pulses to observe the interaction of light with resting electrons in an experiment this month.
The spectroscopy experiment was conducted for the purpose of trying to have the photons generate multiple electrons instead of just one, a process known as multiple exciton generation (MEG).
Solar cells work by absorbing particles of sunlight, which are made up of photons. Each captured photon usually generates one free electron which makes electricity. If more energy is generated from less light, solar panels can become far more effective, according to Andrew H. Marcus, head of the UO department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
While the experiment won’t revolutionize solar technology on its own, it can inspire others to conduct similar experiments into this field of research, Marcus said in the UO News article.
The project came about when Lund University Professor Tonu Pullerits approached Marcus about adopting their spectroscopic system to look at solar material. Khadga J. Karki, a researcher of Pullerits’, traveled to the UO and teamed up with Marcus and Professor Mark C. Lonergan to reconfigure the equipment.
It was co-authored along with UO doctoral student Julia R. Widom, Professors of Lund University and Joachim Seibt and UO graduate student Ian Moody.
The National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy supported the project.