Laboratory for Photovoltaics

At the laboratory for photovoltaics (LPV) we investigate the exact mechanisms that reduce the efficiency of real solar cells compared to ideal devices. We prepare semiconductor materials in a controlled way and employ optoelectronic measurements, like photoluminescence to understand e.g. the absorption of light and the losses of photogenerated electrons.  A focus is on the next generation solar cells, based on thin film tandem devices. We contribute to improving the efficiency of thin film solar cells.

Lead by Prof. Susanne Siebentritt

Laboratory for Energy Materials

The Laboratory for Energy Materials studies the physical and chemical reactions occurring during semiconductor synthesis to better understand how to manipulate the resulting materials’ opto-electrical properties. We are interested in reducing environmental impact, so we investigate semiconductors made from earth abundant non toxic elements, and we research novel low energy synthesis methods. We also research small and semi-transparent solar cell devices for high power conversion efficiency and building integrated applications.

Lead by Prof. Phillip Dale

Scanning Probe Microscopy Laboratory

Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) methods are ideal to study the properties of functional materials on the nanoscale. At the SPM laboratory, technologically relevant semiconductors such as for example hybrid perovskites, chalcopyrites and 2D materials are synthesized and analyzed with different scanning probe and luminescence techniques. We develop new analytical tools and deposition methods to understand how surface and interface properties can be tuned to enhance the performance of functional devices such as for example solar cells.

Lead by Associate Prof. Alex Redinger