New facility set to enable nanoscale imaging of solar cells
The interaction of light with solar cells and other electronic devices will be the focus of a new national facility at Loughborough University.
Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the National Facility for High Resolution Cathodoluminescence (CL) Analysis will be the first of its kind globally and open to researchers from around the world.
The facility will aid with the development of solar cell technologies, LEDs, quantum dots and other optoelectronic devices.
The properties of materials used in solar cells and optoelectronic devices are governed by processes that occur at the atomic scale. Scheduled to open this summer, the new facility will house a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), both with cathodoluminescence capabilities that will allow researchers to compare images and pinpoint defects or impurities that affect solar cell performance.
This information can then be used to make modifications to materials or processes and improve device performance.
The SEM will allow researchers to analyse devices at the microscale. Important features can then be selected, removed, and analysed in the STEM at the nanoscale.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Radio wave weapon knocks out drone swarms
Probably. A radio-controlled drone cannot be completely shielded to RF, else you´d lose the ability to control it. The fibre optical cable removes...