Efficient broadband conversion via quantum dots with built-in charge

Having been placed in a single p-i-n junction, quantum dots with built-in charge (Q-B1C) provide harvesting and conversion of sub-bandgap photons, increase absorption of above-bandgap photons, and provide effective tool for engineering of nanoscale potential in the quantum dot (QD) medium and microscale potential profile in the entire PV device. Potential barriers around charged QDs decrease the photoelectron capture and suppress recombination processes via QDs. Filling QDs predominantly from dopants in QD medium allows one to keep electroneutralify of QD medium and to create the microscale potential profile analogous to that in the best conventional single-junction solar cells. The Q-BIC technology is a promising basis for developing high-efficiency, broadband (all-weather), rugged, light-weight, scalable, and relatively inexpensive single-junction solar cells capable of converting of 35-50% of solar energy into electric power.