3 Review(s)

The 'Third-Generation and Emerging Solar-Cell Technologies' symposium was held at the 2011 MRS Spring Meeting in San Francisco. Direct conversion of solar energy to electricity by photovoltaic (PV) devices is an important element of the next-generation green power production portfolio. Although crystalline Si is currently dominant in making solar cells, new solar cells using thin films have been emerging due to their high competitiveness in cost reduction. Even more exotic materials have generated great excitement as in, for instance, assemblies composed of quantum dots and/or wires in which quantum confinement is used as a design parameter. Dye cells and organic PVs are also being pursued as affordable and low-cost paradigms. All such new and promising materials systems present challenges associated with the efficient absorption and collection of generated carriers and the associated roadblocks stand between concept and practical implementation. This volume represents the recent advances in all above mentioned areas.