Theoretically, two layers are better than one for solar-cell efficiency

3 years ago
Anonymous $rxtAWepgzY

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200915194250.htm

"Ten years ago I knew very little about solar cells, but it became clear to me they were very important," said Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Evan Pugh University Professor and Charles Godfrey Binder Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State.

Investigating the field, he found that researchers approached solar cells from two sides, the optical side -- looking on how the sun's light is collected -- and the electrical side -- looking at how the collected sunlight is converted into electricity. Optical researchers strive to optimize light capture, while electrical researchers strive to optimize conversion to electricity, both sides simplifying the other.