Missions

This project aims to explore and develop novel concepts and manufacturing processes for ultra-thin, high-efficiency solar cells. The initial focus will be on single-junction ultra-thin solar cells. The team has achieved state-of-the-art results with GaAs solar cells, and the first objective is to extend these findings to silicon solar cells. Two emerging concepts will be investigated and compared: (1) Multi-resonant absorption induced by perfectly ordered structures (gratings) fabricated using nanoimprint lithography, and (2) Directional scattering achieved with structures featuring correlated disorder, produced via self-assembled nanopatterning techniques such as polymer blending and colloidal lithography. Low-cost fabrication processes will be developed and optimized, and their performance will be analyzed using optical spectroscopy. Results will then be compared with optical simulations and applied to ultra-thin silicon and GaAs solar cells. The goal is to demonstrate breakthrough performance using original designs and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Integrating nanopatterning into functional solar cells will be a priority. The second objective is to study and enhance light management in tandem solar cells. Due to the high number of layers and additional constraints—such as balancing absorption in the top and bottom cells—emerging tandem solar cells present new challenges for photon management and light trapping. These will initially be addressed through optical simulation.

Activités

* Development of cleanroom processes
* Fabrication of solar cells in a cleanroom environment
* Optical simulation
* Optical and optoelectronic characterization of solar cells

Compétences

* Expertise in micro- and nano-fabrication in cleanroom environments
* Strong background in semiconductor physics and photovoltaics
* Proficiency in electromagnetic simulation of nanostructures and semiconductor devices

Contexte de travail

This project is part of the ERC Synergy Grant UltiMatePV, which brings together the CNRS team (C2N and UMR IPVF) led by Stéphane Collin, the German team led by Stefan Glunz (University of Freiburg/Fraunhofer ISE), and the Swiss team led by Christophe Ballif (EPFL/CSEM). The postdoctoral researcher will have access to the state-of-the-art facilities at C2N (nanotechnology, cleanroom, characterization, and simulation tools) and will work within the integrated team, collaborating closely with UMR IPVF as well as the German and Swiss partners.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Inherent Risks of Cleanroom Work