Back grating optimization for light trapping in thin-film quantum dot solar cells

The work presents the design of a diffraction back grating for light-trapping in thin-film GaAs-based quantum dot solar cells. Uni-periodic and bi-periodic gratings made of off-theshelf almost transparent dielectric materials routinely used in photolithography are considered. Gratings are wave-optics simulated by rigorous coupled wave analysis. Optimizing the shape and geometrical aspect ratio of the grating, almost quadrupled photocurrent from quantum dots is demonstrated

Effects of thinning and heating for TiO2/AlInP junctions

TiO2/AlInP junctions are used to construct the antireflection coatings for solar cells and to passivate III&ndash;V nanostructure surfaces. The thickness of AlInP epilayer affects light absorption and appropriate Al composition determining further the energy barrier for carriers. We report on reducing the AlInP thickness by dry etching down to 10&nbsp;nm without introducing harmful defect states at TiO2/AlInP interface and AlInP/GaInP interface below, according to photoluminescence. Synchrotron-radiation photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that increased oxidation of phosphorus is not harmful to TiO2/AlInP and that post heating of the material enhances AlInP oxidation and group III element segregation resulting in decreased material homogeneity.</p

Tuneable Nonlinear Spin Response in a Nonmagnetic Semiconductor

Nonlinear effects and dynamics are found in a wide range of research fields. In magnetic materials, nonlinear spin dynamics enables ultrafast manipulation of spin, which promises high-speed nonvolatile information processing and storage for future spintronic applications. However, a nonlinear spin response is not yet demonstrated in a nonmagnetic material that lacks strong magnetic interactions. Dilute nitride III-V materials, e.g., (Ga,N)As, have the ability to amplify the conduction-electron-spin polarization by filtering out minority spins via spin-polarized defect states at room temperature. Here, by employing coupled rate equations, we theoretically demonstrate the emergence of a nonlinear spin response in such a defect-enabled room-temperature spin amplifier. Furthermore, we showcase the proposed spin nonlinearity in a (Ga,N)As-InAs quantum dot (QD) coupled all-semiconductor nanostructure, by measuring the higher-harmonic generation, which converts the modulation of excitation polarization into the second-, third-, and fourth-order harmonic oscillations of the QD's photoluminescence intensity and polarization. The observed spin nonlinearity originates from defect-mediated spin-dependent recombination, which can be conveniently tuned with an external magnetic field and can potentially operate at a speed exceeding 1 GHz. The demonstrated spin nonlinearity could pave the way for nonlinear spintronic and optospintronic device applications based on nonmagnetic semiconductors with simultaneously achievable high operation speed and nonlinear response.Peer reviewe

Challenges with sea ice action on structures for Offshore wind

EU urgently needs to increase the development of secure and green energy, and this includes renewables such as Offshore wind energy. An expansion of Offshore wind will include the Baltic where sea ice is one of the major uncertainties. To ensure that the w ind turbines are safe for people and the environment, while keeping them economically competitive better guidelines and regulations should b e developed collaboratively by European industry and academia. There are unsolved challenge s with respect to ice action on structures for offshore wind. However, in the current draft for Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2024 on Climate, Energy and Mobility1, the challenges related to sea ice with regards to Offshore wind energy are not mentioned. In order to meet the crucial green energy goals, it is our statement that it is imperative to include sea ice i n the final version

Challenges with sea ice action on structures for Offshore wind

EU urgently needs to increase the development of secure and green energy, and this includes renewables such as Offshore wind energy. An expansion of Offshore wind will include the Baltic where sea ice is one of the major uncertainties. To ensure that the w ind turbines are safe for people and the environment, while keeping them economically competitive better guidelines and regulations should b e developed collaboratively by European industry and academia. There are unsolved challenge s with respect to ice action on structures for offshore wind. However, in the current draft for Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2024 on Climate, Energy and Mobility1, the challenges related to sea ice with regards to Offshore wind energy are not mentioned. In order to meet the crucial green energy goals, it is our statement that it is imperative to include sea ice i n the final version.Offshore Engineerin