Inhomogeneous light photovoltaic effect in neighboring quantum dots

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates the inhomogeneous light photovoltaic effect in neighboring quantum dots, revealing a potential for efficient, cost-effective solar cells by exploiting asymmetric potentials created by nonuniform illumination.

Contribution

It introduces a novel photovoltaic mechanism in quantum dots driven by inhomogeneous light fields, distinct from traditional p-n junction effects.

Findings

Net current can be generated by asymmetric potentials in quantum dots.

Efficiency estimates are comparable to traditional solar cells.

The effect has potential for more economical solar cell designs.

Abstract

Photovoltaic effect of double quantum dots under nonuniform light field intensity has been studied theoretically. Comparing with the traditional p-n type photovoltaic effect, the inhomogeneous light field provides asymmetric potential creating polarization of electron number distribution in the neighboring quantum dots and furthermore gives rise to net current. Current density and efficiency of such kind solar cells are estimated to be comparable to the traditional p-n type material based solar cells. Motion of electron is described using quantum master equation around room temperature. The inhomogeneous light photovoltaic effect has potential applications for the gain of more economical solar cells.