Device Engineering of Perovskite Solar Cells to Achieve Near Ideal Efficiency

Despite the exciting recent research on perovskite based solar cells, the design space for further optimization and the practical limits of efficiency are not well known in the community. In this manuscript, we address these aspects through theoretical calculations and detailed numerical simulations. Here, we first provide the detailed balance limit efficiency in the presence of radiative and Auger recombination. Then, using coupled optical and carrier transport simulations, we identify the physical mechanisms that contribute towards bias dependent carrier collection, and hence low fill factors of current perovskite based solar cells. Curiously, we find that while Auger recombination is not a dominant factor at the detailed balance limit, it plays a significant role in device level implementations. Surprisingly, our device designs indicate that it is indeed possible to achieve efficiency and fill factor greater than 25% and 85%, respectively - even in the presence of Auger recombination

Screening-Limited Response of NanoBiosensors

Despite tremendous potential of highly sensitive electronic detection of bio-molecules by nanoscale biosensors for genomics and proteomic applications, many aspects of experimentally observed sensor response (S) are unexplained within consistent theoretical frameworks of kinetic response or electrical screening. In this paper, we combine analytic solutions of Poisson-Boltzmann and reaction-diffusion equations to show that the electrical response of nanobiosensor varies logarithmically with the concentration of target molecules, time, the salt concentration, and inversely with the fractal dimension of sensor surface. Our analysis provides a coherent theoretical interpretation of wide variety of puzzling experimental data that have so far defied intuitive explanation.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figure

Connect Exchange Programs: A Critical Component in Media Studies for Indian Media Schools

This article addresses the objectives, philosophy, and need assessment of connect exchange programmes (CEP) in media studies. It underlines the importance of CEPs as an effort to mitigate the chasms created by a discriminatory, hierarchical, and fragmented society. Simultaneously, this article questions how CEPs can contribute to the paradigm of media studies when the institutions of media and media Studies still abide by the vision of age-old understanding of the constitution of Media and its function. This article raises a pitch for viewing media studies as a discipline with an integral commitment to society and social issues rather than relying upon the training of ‘graduates’ to fit in the needs and demands of the job market. This article emphasizes that how a CEP can contribute to the making of a ‘universal global citizenry.

Naturopathy and yoga in ameliorating multiple hormonal imbalance: a single case report

Hormonal imbalances are common among the women who are in the halfway of their reproductive age. There are lot of factors like stress, diet, lifestyle etc. which contributes to this hormonal dysfunctions. However these factors are merely addressed by the existing management strategies. A 37 year old female presented with hypothyroidism and associated hyperprolactinemia had undergone Naturopathy and yoga interventions for a period of 18 months. Her baseline TSH and prolactin levels were 9.2 U/ml and 34 ng/ml respectively. Her anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels also fell down to 0.3 ng/ml. Naturopathy and yoga based lifestyle interventions including hydrotherapy, mud therapy, yoga therapy and acupuncture were given for different durations has streamlined the hormone levels to normal range (TSH-4.6 U/ml, prolactin- 19.6 ng/ml, AMH-2.6 ng/ml). The results indicate that naturopathy and yoga has a positive role in reinstating the hormonal homeostasis. However large scale studies are warranted to bestow better care