A dynamic picture of energy conversion in photovoltaic devices

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum thermodynamics-based model for photovoltaic devices, emphasizing the role of self-oscillating internal components and coherent oscillations in energy conversion, offering new insights beyond traditional static models.

Contribution

It introduces a self-oscillating capacitor model for solar cells, integrating quantum thermodynamics to better understand and design energy transducers.

Findings

Charge separation linked to coherent oscillations.

Internal capacitor acts as a microscopic piston.

New design principles for photovoltaic devices.

Abstract

Studies of emerging photovoltaics, such as organic and perovskite solar cells, have recently shown that the separation of photo-generated charge carriers is correlated with non-thermal, coherent oscillations within the illuminated device. We consider this experimental evidence in light of results from the theory of open quantum systems that point to the need for a self-oscillating internal capacitor, acting as a microscopic piston, to explain how an illuminated solar cell operates as an autonomous heat engine. We propose a picture of work extraction by photovoltaic devices that supersedes the quasi-static descriptions prevalent in the literature. Finally, we argue that such a dialogue between condensed matter physics and quantum thermodynamics may offer a guide for the design of new energy transducers.