Solar Energy Conversion Devices

3 Hours

Investigate basic principles of photovoltaic devices which convert light into charge carriers (electrons and holes). Examine electrons and holes in semiconductors, generation and recombination, junctions, analysis of the p-n junction, silicon and III-V semiconductor solar cell design and optimization, thin film solar cell technologies, managing light, strategies for higher efficiency, and a brief overview of non-photovoltaic approaches to solar energy conversion. Electrical and Computer Engineering 339S and Electrical Engineering 339S may not both be counted. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.