Photovoltaic efficiency at maximum power of a quantum dot molecule

TL;DR

This paper investigates the efficiency at maximum power of a quantum dot molecule used for photovoltaic conversion, demonstrating potential gains over single quantum dots and classical thermodynamic limits.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model analyzing how energy offsets and barrier widths affect photovoltaic efficiency, revealing conditions for enhanced power output.

Findings

Potential 30% increase in maximum power compared to single quantum dots

System surpasses Chambadal-Novikov efficiency at maximum power

Efficiency remains below Carnot limit, consistent with thermodynamics

Abstract

In this work, it is investigated the behavior of the efficiency at maximum power of a quantum dot molecule, acting as a device for photovoltaic conversion. A theoretical approach using a master equation, considering the effect of the energy offsets, and the width of the quantum barrier, identifies realistic physical conditions that enhance the photovoltaic response of the photocell. The results show the potentiality of increasing the gain in 30\% of maximum power delivered per molecule if compared with a single quantum dot. Also, the system exhibits gain when compared to the Chambadal-Novikov efficiency at maximum power, without exceeding Carnot's efficiency, as expected from the second law of thermodynamics.