Nanostructures in Photovoltaics

Providing the fundamental framework upon which new scientific developments are based--regarding photovoltaics solar cells and the use of new nanomaterials and nanostructured devices--this study begins with a general introduction to photovoltaics. Unlike other solar cell books, however, this is done with a focus on the fundamental physical limits and practicality of assumptions that form the basis for the ensuing discussion of nanostructured approaches to photovoltaics conversion. The discussion of the approaches is presented based upon basic quantum mechanics to provide a framework that is not merely a topical treatment of recent results but also a reference which should prove useful for future developments.