Efficient biologically inspired photocell enhanced by delocalized quantum states.
Artificially implementing the biological light reactions responsible for the remarkably efficient photon-to-charge conversion in photosynthetic complexes represents a new direction for the future development of photovoltaic devices. Here, we develop such a paradigm and present a model photocell based on the nanoscale architecture and molecular elements of photosynthetic reaction centers. Quantum interference of photon absorption and emission induced by the dipole-dipole interaction between molecular excited states guarantees an enhanced light-to-current conversion and power generation for a wide range of electronic, thermal, and optical parameters for optimized dipolar geometries. This result opens a promising new route for designing artificial light-harvesting devices inspired by biological photosynthesis and quantum technologies.
Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
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Creatore
Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
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Parker
Microsoft Research, Cambridge CB1 2FB, United Kingdom.
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Emmott
Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
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Chin
D008956:Models, Chemical; D045322:Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D011789:Quantum Theory
D045322:Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins