title: Solar cells using quantum funnels.
abstract: Colloidal quantum dots offer broad tuning of semiconductor bandstructure via the quantum size effect. Devices involving a sequence of layers comprised of quantum dots selected to have different diameters, and therefore bandgaps, offer the possibility of funneling energy toward an acceptor. Here we report a quantum funnel that efficiently conveys photoelectrons from their point of generation toward an intended electron acceptor. Using this concept we build a solar cell that benefits from enhanced fill factor as a result of this quantum funnel. This concept addresses limitations on transport in soft condensed matter systems and leverages their advantages in large-area optoelectronic devices and systems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4, Canada.
authors.forename: Illan J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: Larissa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Levina
authors.forename: Ratan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Debnath
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zhitomirsky
authors.forename: Edward H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Sargent