Strain Engineered Bandgaps for Broadband Solar Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optoelectronic devices are inefficient as they can only utilize a single wavelength of radiation, limiting their ability to absorb and convert solar energy effectively, and face challenges in scaling up due to material constraints and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of inhomogeneously strained optoelectronic materials with spatially varying band gaps, allowing for the absorption of a broader range of electromagnetic radiation and improved efficiency through the application of elastic strain engineering, enabling the creation of devices that can efficiently collect and convert solar energy across multiple wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional optoelectronic devices use a single wavelength of radiation, then the device structure is simple, but the energy conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially varying strain fields within the optoelectronic material, where different regions have different band gaps. This allows the material to absorb multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously, improving energy conversion efficiency without requiring multiple separate devices. The strain is engineered to be inhomogeneous, with compression in some regions and tension in others, creating a gradient of optical properties throughout the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the band gap parameter of the optoelectronic material by applying mechanical strain. By controlling the strain magnitude and distribution, the band gap can be tuned to absorb different wavelengths of light. This allows a single material to handle multiple energy levels, improving productivity while avoiding the complexity of stacking multiple junctions or using multiple separate devices.
2Productivity
If multiple wavelengths are absorbed using multiple devices, then the energy absorption range is broad, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical absorption functions into a single optoelectronic material by engineering inhomogeneous strain fields. Instead of stacking multiple devices or junctions to capture different wavelengths, the strain-engineered material provides a continuous distribution of band gaps that simultaneously absorbs multiple wavelengths. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining broadband absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optoelectronic material is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - absorbing different wavelengths of light across a broad spectrum within a single material structure. The inhomogeneously strained regions create a universal material that can handle various energy levels, eliminating the need for specialized devices for different wavelength ranges.
3Productivity
If homogeneous strain is applied to the optoelectronic material, then the band gap is uniform, but the ability to funnel charges to specific regions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the strain distribution, creating regions of compression and tension that are not uniformly distributed. This asymmetric strain profile generates corresponding asymmetric band gap variations, which in turn create built-in electric fields that drive charge carriers toward specific regions. The asymmetric design enables effective charge funneling without requiring additional complex electrode structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the strain distribution, creating gradients in the band gap across different regions of the material. By varying strain in multiple spatial dimensions, the material creates a landscape that naturally funnels charges toward low-energy regions. This dimensional approach to strain engineering provides charge collection efficiency without increasing electrical device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the efficiency of optoelectronic devices by allowing them to absorb a wider range of solar energy, improving energy funneling and charge carrier collection, and enables the development of more efficient solar cells and photocatalytic systems with tunable band gaps.
Implementation Method 1
exposing a first inhomogeneously strained optoelectronic material to electromagnetic radiation, absorbing a first portion of the electromagnetic radiation with the first inhomogeneously strained optoelectronic material to generate holes and electrons
Implementation Method 2
Inhomogeneous strain as applied to materials has been discovered, in accordance with many aspects of the invention, to be an important vehicle to obtain good results
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic device as well as its methods of use and manufacture are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optoelectronic device includes a first optoelectronic material that is inhomogeneously strained. A first charge carrier collector and a second charge carrier collector are each in electrical communication with the first optoelectronic material and are adapted to collect charge carriers from the first optoelectronic material. In another embodiment, a method of photocatalyzing a reaction includes using a strained optoelectronic material.