If a photon enters a solar cell and produces multiple excitons, then the overall quantum efficiency achievable can be more than 100%. Arthur Nozik of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, and colleagues have made this mechanism work in lead-selenide quantum-dot photocells, obtaining on average 1.14 electrons for each incident photon. The work could lead to more efficient methods to harnessing solar power.
CERN Courier
Feb 23, 2012
Solar cells that are more than 100% efficient
About the author
Compiled by John Swain, Northeastern University.
Further reading
O E Simonin 2011 Science 334 1530.