News Article
Semiconductors combined in same nanowire 'absorb more energy'
Combining two semiconductors in the same nanowire can have a positive impact upon the future of solar cells and LEDs, new research has found.
Combining the semiconductors gallium indium arsenide and indium arsenide in the same nanowire would mean both of their absorption areas could be combined so more energy can be captured, new research has discovered.
PhD student Peter Krogstrup, from the Nano-Science Center - a joint venture between the Niels Bohr Institute and the University of Copenhagen since September 2001 - made the discovery during his dissertation research.
The ability to produce nanowires which contain two different semiconductors means that, for the first time on a nanoscale, the characteristics can be combined, changing the future manufacture of nanowires.
Combining the properties of the two different semiconductors on a nanowire can not only improve the efficiency of solar cells, but can also lead to developments in the nanoelectronics industry as gallium indium arsenide and indium arsenide can be used in light emitting diodes (LEDs) and new organic LED displays, Mr Krogstrup explained.
Since September 2001, the Nano-Science Center has received more than €40 million (£36 million) in external funding pledges from public and private funding.
PhD student Peter Krogstrup, from the Nano-Science Center - a joint venture between the Niels Bohr Institute and the University of Copenhagen since September 2001 - made the discovery during his dissertation research.
The ability to produce nanowires which contain two different semiconductors means that, for the first time on a nanoscale, the characteristics can be combined, changing the future manufacture of nanowires.
Combining the properties of the two different semiconductors on a nanowire can not only improve the efficiency of solar cells, but can also lead to developments in the nanoelectronics industry as gallium indium arsenide and indium arsenide can be used in light emitting diodes (LEDs) and new organic LED displays, Mr Krogstrup explained.
Since September 2001, the Nano-Science Center has received more than €40 million (£36 million) in external funding pledges from public and private funding.
