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CT: A newly discovered path for the conversion of sunlight to electricity could brighten the future for photovoltaic technology. Researchers with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have found a new mechanism by which the photovoltaic effect can take place in semiconductor thin-films. This new route to energy production overcomes the bandgap voltage limitation that continues to plague conventional solid-state solar cells.
S: http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2010/03/30/above-bandgap-solar-energy/ (last access: 13 February 2015)
N: 1. photovoltaic (adj): 1923, from photo- + voltaic. Related: Photovoltaics (see -ics).
effect (n): mid-14c., “execution or completion (of an act),” from Old French efet (13c., Modern French effet) “result, execution, completion, ending,” from Latin effectus “accomplishment, performance,” from past participle stem of efficere “work out, accomplish,” from ex- “out” + facere “to do”. From French, borrowed into Dutch, German, Scandinavian.
2. In 1839, French scientist Edmond Becquerel discovers the photovoltaic effect while experimenting with an electrolytic cell made up of two metal electrodes placed in an electricity-conducting solution—electricity-generation increased when exposed to light.
3. The production of a voltage in a nonhomogeneous semiconductor, such as silicon, or at a junction between two types of material, by the absorption of light or other electromagnetic radiation.
4. Photoelectric effect characterized by the appearance of an electromotive force.
5. The collection of light-generated carriers does not by itself give rise to power generation. In order to generate power, a voltage must be generated as well as a current. Voltage is generated in a solar cell by a process known as the “photovoltaic effect”. The collection of light-generated carriers by the p-n junction causes a movement of electrons to the n-type side and holes to the p-type side of the junction. Under short circuit conditions, there is no build up of charge, as the carriers exit the device as light-generated current.
S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=photovoltaic+effect&searchmode=none (last access: 13 February 2015). 2. https://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/solar_timeline.pdf (last access: 13 February 2015). 3 & 4. TERMIUMPLUS. 5. http://pveducation.org/pvcdrom/solar-cell-operation/photovoltaic-effect (last access: 13 February 2015).
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