Full Spectrum Solar Cell Using Novel Material Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-233 Topic Title: Full Spectrum Solar Cell Using Novel Material Proposal No.: N103-233-0380 Firm: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. 44 Hunt Street Watertown, Massachusetts 02472-4699 Contact: Michael Squillante Phone: (617) 668-6800 Web Site: http://www.rmdinc.com Abstract: The goal of the proposed Phase I is to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating cost-competitive intermediate band light-harvesting solar cells with high conversion efficiency, through a combination of intermediate band physics and the unique structure of our proposed material. The most efficient solar cells developed so far use thin film layers of engineered materials to create multi-junction cells that harvest photons over a wide solar spectrum. However, these multi-junction cells require ultra-purity materials and expensive processing. Alternatively, preliminary research now indicates that intermediate band solar cells should have the distinction of achieving the highest conversion efficiency of all approaches. Radiation Monitoring Devices intends to develop intermediate band thin film solar cells with a single light-harvesting layer that will efficiently absorb light over the same wide solar spectrum. This layer of photosensitive material will be grown in a structured form on large-area substrates using RMD's established methods that ensure consistent, reliable fabrication and reduce manufacturing costs. The novel morphology of the resulting material will foster highly efficient light capture due to its increased effective surface area and acceptance angle, and enhance charge collection at the electrodes. Benefits: The availability of cost-effective, high-efficiency solar cells will play a pivotal role in realizing a renewable and clean energy source for future generations. The proposed approach has the potential to fabricate thin film solar cells that are both high in efficiency and cost-competitive with current technology. The proposed technology, which is based on intermediate band transitions in semiconductors, will enhance efficiency to a level comparable to that of a triple junction solar cell. In addition, the specialized structure of our proposed solar material will both increase light absorption over a wide acceptance angle due to its enhanced effective surface area, and dramatically improve charge collection. Our proven, straightforward fabrication technique and its inherently economical production capability, along with the use of low cost raw materials, is highly promising for producing high performance solar cells more economically than via current methods. B. POTENTIAL COMMERCIALIZATION The proposed technology has wide application in important civil (consumer, industrial and scientific) and military applications. It is intended and expected to serve established markets and to open a number of exciting new markets in the US and abroad. This technology has one of the highest potentials for meeting our country's future energy needs and reducing our reliance upon both fossil and nuclear fuels. Return