Photonic Power Converters – Device Design and Optimization

We develop highly efficient photovoltaic cells for use under laser radiation, also known as laser power converters or photonic power converters. These PV cells are specifically adapted to the photon energy of monochromatic (or very narrow-band) light – similar to tandem solar cells or multi-junction solar cells, in which individual sub-cells are adapted for a narrow part of the spectrum. To this end, we are developing absorber materials with band gap energies that are matched to the photon energy, as well as a special processing technology, for example with integrated optical mirror layers to exploit resonance effects. We also use optical and electrical modeling to optimize the design, for example of the layer structures or contact geometries.