Quantum Materials Corp. (fka QTMM)

[clearsudden]

http://www.atissun.com/blog/6283/dod-quietly-supporting-research-into-new-solar-quantum-dot-technology/

Solar cells enhanced with quantum dot technology are the latest to receive attention from the military, particularly the researchers from the Army Research Laboratory and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Together with the University of Buffalo, these scientists are investigating the potential that quantum-enhanced technology holds for improving solar cell efficiency.

Because of their microscopic size, quantum dots (or “Q-dots”), at less than a nanometer wide, could provide an alternative production model for inexpensive, ultra-efficient solar cells. Q-dots are created in a chemical reaction that skirts the energy-intensive and expensive fabrication process required by the other dominant semiconductor in solar manufacturing currently, silicon.

Experts believe that by integrating quantum-dots into low-cost, lightweight solar cells could raise their efficiency by 45 percent or more. The University of Buffalo team discovered that by meshing q-dots into a solar cell, the cell as a whole is able to capture more light from the infrared end of the spectrum.

Other teams have pursued a similar line of research but the Buffalo team discovered how to “dope” their Q-dots to have a built-in charge, making them able to repel electrons that might otherwise get trapped. This in turn makes the solar cell more efficient as more electrons are able to contribute to electrical generation.

Once more funding is available to complete the research, either on a federal level like the DoD is providing or from the private sector, the technology will be evaluated for mass production.