Among the new photovoltaic technologies, the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) is becoming a realistic approach towards energy markets such as BIPV (Building Integrated PhotoVoltaics). In order to improve the performances of DSCs and to increase their commercial attractiveness, cheap, colourful, stable and highly efficient ruthenium-free dyes must be developed. Here we report the synthesis and co...

Biferrocene bearing planar metal dithiocarbamates, namely, [M(FcCH2dtc)2] (dtc = furan-2-ylmethyldithiocarbamate, M = Cu(II) 1, Ni(II) 4; dtc = benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl dithiocarbamate, M = Cu(II) 2, Ni(II) 5; dtc = pyridin-2-ylmethyldithiocarbamate, M = Cu(II) 3, Ni(II) 6; Fc = ferrocenyl; Fe(η(5)-C5H5)(η(5)-C5H4-)), have been synthesized and characterized by microanalysis, magnetic susc...

We explore optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiencies which can be achieved with femto- and picosecond optical pulses in electro-optic crystals with periodically inverted sign of second-order susceptibility. Optimal crystal lengths, pulse durations, pulse formats and focusing are regarded. We show that for sufficiently short (femtosecond) optical pulses, with a pulsewidth much shorter than th...

Metal oxides as ZnO provide an interesting alternative for conventional low work function metals as electron injection layer in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, for most state-of-the-art OLED materials the high work function of ZnO leads to a large injection barrier for electrons. As a result the electron current in the OLED is largely limited by the contact, leading to a strong ...

A calculational scheme is presented to model the interaction of light with active dielectric media, represented by four-level atomic materials, surrounded by photonic crystals. Optically pumped lasing is studied in three model systems: a Fabry-Perot cavity, a line of defects in a two-dimensional square lattice of rods, and a cylindrical photonic crystal. Field profiles and conversion efficienci...

Singlet fission (SF) has the potential to supersede the traditional solar energy conversion scheme by means of boosting the photon-to-current conversion efficiencies beyond the 30% Shockley-Queisser limit. Here, we show unambiguous and compelling evidence for unprecedented intramolecular SF within regioisomeric pentacene dimers in room-temperature solutions, with observed triplet quantum yields...

With the increasing need to incorporate more complex mixed-signal controller for switched mode power supplies, CMOS compatibility becomes a very important consideration for monolithic DC-DC converters. This paper examines the different power output stage designs and identifies the key device characteristics such as onresistance, gate capacitance, switching speed that ensure optimized power conv...

This thesis focuses on the design, optimization, fabrication, and experimental realization of metallic photonic crystals (MPhCs) for high temperature applications, for instance thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion and selective solar absorption. We begin with the exploration of refractory two-dimensional (2D) MPhC slabs as selective thermal emitters that approach the emittance of a blackb...

Solar energy has the capacity to fulfill global human energy demands in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, provided efficient, low-cost systems can be developed for its capture, conversion, and storage. Toward these ends, a molecular-based understanding of the fundamental principles and mechanistic details of energy conversion in photosynthesis is indispensable. This review add...

The trade-off between the short-circuit current density (JSC) and open-circuit voltage (VOC) has been one of largest challenges in improving power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) organic solar cells...