T. Cole

Bio: T. Cole is an academic researcher from California Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Solar mirror & Solar simulator. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 256 citations.

Luminescent solar concentrators. 2: Experimental and theoretical analysis of their possible efficiencies.

Abstract: Experimental techniques are developed to determine the applicability of a particular luminescing center for use in a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC). The relevant steady-state characteristics of eighteen common organic laser dyes are given. The relative spectral homogeneity of such dyes are shown to depend upon the surrounding material using narrowband laser excitation. We developed three independent techniques for measuring self-absorption rates; these are time-resolved emission, steady-state polarization anisotropy, and spectral convolution. Preliminary dye degradation and prototype efficiency measurements are included. Finally, we give simple relationships relating the efficiency and gain of an LSC to key spectroscopic parameters of its constituents.

Luminescent Solar Concentrators

Abstract: A type of solar concentrator for photovoltaics utilizing light pipe trapping of luminescence is described. Total collector efficiencies of 3. 2% have been measured, and efficiencies of 10% appear theoretically possible. The photodegradation lifetime of the dyes presently used is about one year under optimal conditions.

Thirty Years of Luminescent Solar Concentrator Research: Solar Energy for the Built Environment

Abstract: Research on the luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) over the past thirty-odd years is reviewed. The LSC is a simple device at its heart, employing a polymeric or glass waveguide and luminescent molecules to generate electricity from sunlight when attached to a photovoltaic cell. The LSC has the potential to find extended use in an area traditionally difficult for effective use of regular photovoltaic panels: the built environment. The LSC is a device very flexible in its design, with a variety of possible shapes and colors. The primary challenge faced by the devices is increasing their photon-to-electron conversion efficiencies. A number of laboratories are working to improve the efficiency and lifetime of the LSC device, with the ultimate goal of commercializing the devices within a few years. The topics covered here relate to the efforts for reducing losses in these devices. These include studies of novel luminophores, including organic fluorescent dyes, inorganic phosphors, and quantum dots. Ways to limit the surface and internal losses are also discussed, including using organic and inorganic-based selective mirrors which allow sunlight in but reflect luminophore-emitted light, plasmonic structures to enhance emissions, novel photovoltaics, alignment of the luminophores to manipulate the path of the emitted light, and patterning of the dye layer to improve emission efficiency. Finally, some possible ‘glimpses of the future’ are offered, with additional research paths that could result in a device that makes solar energy a ubiquitous part of the urban setting, finding use as sound barriers, bus-stop roofs, awnings, windows, paving, or siding tiles.

High-efficiency organic solar concentrators for photovoltaics.

Abstract: The cost of photovoltaic power can be reduced with organic solar concentrators. These are planar waveguides with a thin-film organic coating on the face and inorganic solar cells attached to the edges. Light is absorbed by the coating and reemitted into waveguide modes for collection by the solar cells. We report single- and tandem-waveguide organic solar concentrators with quantum efficiencies exceeding 50% and projected power conversion efficiencies as high as 6.8%. The exploitation of near-field energy transfer, solid-state solvation, and phosphorescence enables 10-fold increases in the power obtained from photovoltaic cells, without the need for solar tracking.

Compound Copper Chalcogenide Nanocrystals

Abstract: This review captures the synthesis, assembly, properties, and applications of copper chalcogenide NCs, which have achieved significant research interest in the last decade due to their compositional and structural versatility. The outstanding functional properties of these materials stems from the relationship between their band structure and defect concentration, including charge carrier concentration and electronic conductivity character, which consequently affects their optoelectronic, optical, and plasmonic properties. This, combined with several metastable crystal phases and stoichiometries and the low energy of formation of defects, makes the reproducible synthesis of these materials, with tunable parameters, remarkable. Further to this, the review captures the progress of the hierarchical assembly of these NCs, which bridges the link between their discrete and collective properties. Their ubiquitous application set has cross-cut energy conversion (photovoltaics, photocatalysis, thermoelectrics), en...

Organic electroluminescent multicolor image display device

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent multicolor image display device is disclosed containing an image display array made up of a plurality of light emitting pixels arranged in intersecting files (rows and columns). Each pixel contains a light transmissive first electrode, an electroluminescent medium overlying the first electrode, and an overlying second electrode. The electrodes connect the pixels in an X-Y addressing pattern. The organic electroluminescent medium emits in the blue region of the spectrum. Each pixel is divided into at least two sub-pixels. The electrodes of one set of parallel files is divided into at least two laterally spaced elements each of which joins and forms a part of one sub-pixel of each pixel in the same file. A fluorescent medium capable of absorbing light emitted by the electroluminescent medium and emitting at a longer wavelength is positioned to receive emitted light from the first electrode means. The fluorescent medium is confined to only one of the sub-pixels of each pixel.