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Document Type

Feature Article

Publication Date

Spring 5-1-2008

Publication Title

Washington University Undergraduate Research Digest: WUURD 3(2)

Abstract

Peer Editor: James Benjamin Kugler; Faculty Mentor: Richard A. Loomis

The design of efficient photovoltaic devices (ie. solar energy cells) requires the ability to optimize and accurately and effectively calculate the quantum yield of excitons-free electrons generated by excitation radiation. Semiconductor quantum-wire structures offer the advantage of large absorption probabilities that efficiently generate charges from light, and also the dimensionality to transport and collect the charges. To optimize their utility, the photoluminescence of various quantum- wire structures are characterized and analyzed with particular focus on the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In order to do this, a new spectrometer was constructed that will enable sensitive measurements in the infrared. The experimental design was divided into two parts: (i) basic photo-induced fluorescence, and (ii) the chop- per and lock-in amplifier system, necessary to elevate the signal-to- noise ratio of the normally weaker spectra of interest.

From the Washington University Undergraduate Research Digest: WUURD, Volume 3, Issue 2, Spring 2008. Published by the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Henry Biggs, Director of Undergraduate Research and Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences; Joy Zalis Kiefer, Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Co-editor, and Assistant Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences; Kristin Sobotka, Editor.

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