I'ts a matter of size
Quick intro movie about nanotechnology
Professors Capasso and Grätzel speak in Lund
This year there are two honorary doctorates with expertise in nanoscience:
Professor Federico Capasso, Harvard University, Honorary Doctorate of Engineering and Professor Michael Grätzel, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy
Thursday, 26 May 2011 at 13.30, Lecture hall B, Physics:
A bird’s eye view of Designer Physics: From nanostructured materials and devices to sub-wavelength optical phenomena and quantum fluctuations
by Federico Capasso, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Short abstract: Designing the boundary conditions of electron wavefunctions and electromagnetic fields in man-made micro- and nano-structures has led to the emergence of new phenomena, materials and devices with remarkable functionalities. I will cover my adventures in these areas and, “looking into the crystal ball”, present my vision for the future of science and technology in these areas.
The seminar by Michael Grätzel is given as part of the seminar presenting the two Honorary Doctorates of Philosophy 2011
Thursday, 26 May 2011 at 10.00, Blå Hallen, Ecology building:
Introduction by Torbjörn von Schantz and Villy Sundström.
Molecular Photovoltaics and Mesoscopic Solar cells
by Michael Grätzel, Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Abstract:The field of photovoltaic cells has been dominated so far by solid state p-n junction devices made e.g. of crystalline or amorphous silicon or other chalcogenide semiconductors, profiting from the experience and material availability of the semiconductor industry. However, there is an increasing awareness of the possible advantages of devices referred to as “bulk“ junctions due to their interconnected three-dimensional structure. Their embodiment departs completely from the conventional flat p-n junction solid-state cells, replacing them by interpenetrating networks. This lecture focuses on dye sensitized mesoscopic solar cells (DSCs), which have been the first and remain the leader of this new generation of photovoltaic devices [1-4]. Imitating the light reaction of natural photo-synthesis, this cell is the only photovoltaic system that uses molecules to generate charges from sunlight accomplishing the separation of the optical absorption from the charge separation and carrier transport processes. It does so by associating the molecular dye with a mesoscopic film of a large band gap semiconductor oxide. The DSC has made phenomenal progress, present conversion efficiencies being over 12 percent for single junction and 17 percent for tandem cells. The validated module efficiency has reached 10 percent, rendering the DSC a credible alternative to conventional thin film p-n junction devices. Commercial large-scale production of flexible DSC modules has started in 2009. These solar cells have become viable contenders for large-scale future solar energy conversion systems on the bases of cost, efficiency, stability and availability as well as environmental compatibility.
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