[E&E seminars] Clare Boothe Luce Seminar - May 11

[Karen Gibson]

Defect Engineering for High-Efficiency Lower-Cost Photovoltaics
Dr. Bonna Newman, Clare Boothe Luce Postdoctoral Fellow
 
Clare Boothe Luce Seminar
Tuesday, May 11, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. E19-319
Refreshments will be served
 
Abstract:  Solar is an effectively unlimited resource capable of satisfying humanities power needs.  The conversion of solar irradiation to electricity is a necessary component of any sustainable energy portfolio.   However, current photovoltaic generated electricity is approximately twice as expensive as grid electricity.  In order to meet this challenge, high-efficiency, less expensive devices made of earth abundant materials must be developed.
 
Defect engineering of inorganic photovoltaic materials is one way of enhancing solar cell performance.  Defects, such as grain boundaries, impurities, and dislocations, are naturally occurring in all semiconductor systems and often limit conversion efficiency in photovoltaics.  However, proper understanding of defects and their formation allows for controlling defects and the impact on devices.  I will discuss our efforts to use high concentrations of impurities to actually improve solar cell performance and engineer higher efficiency silicon solar cells.
 
Biography
Dr. Bonna Newman received her PhD in physics from MIT in 2008.  For the past two years she has been a Clare B. Luce postdoctoral fellow in the Laboratory for Photovoltaic Research, where she focuses on understanding performance-limiting defects in materials for solar cells. Her research involves the study of silicon-based materials, thin films, and novel material concepts for high-efficiency photovoltaics.    She specializes in the application of synchrotron based techniques to study defects in semiconductors.   She is also actively involved in promoting young women in science including volunteering for Science Club for Girls and acted as an official member of the American Delegation to the 2008 International Women in Physics Conference.    
 
 

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