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Efficient Biologically Inspired Photocell Enhanced by Delocalized Quantum States

C. Creatore, M. A. Parker, S. Emmott, and A. W. Chin
Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 253601 – Published 18 December 2013
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Abstract

Artificially implementing the biological light reactions responsible for the remarkably efficient photon-to-charge conversion in photosynthetic complexes represents a new direction for the future development of photovoltaic devices. Here, we develop such a paradigm and present a model photocell based on the nanoscale architecture and molecular elements of photosynthetic reaction centers. Quantum interference of photon absorption and emission induced by the dipole-dipole interaction between molecular excited states guarantees an enhanced light-to-current conversion and power generation for a wide range of electronic, thermal, and optical parameters for optimized dipolar geometries. This result opens a promising new route for designing artificial light-harvesting devices inspired by biological photosynthesis and quantum technologies.

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  • Received 23 July 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.253601

© 2013 American Physical Society

Synopsis

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Plant Power

Published 18 December 2013

A proposal for more efficient solar cells is inspired by the light-harvesting molecules in plants.

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Authors & Affiliations

C. Creatore1,*, M. A. Parker1, S. Emmott2, and A. W. Chin1

  • 1Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
  • 2Microsoft Research, Cambridge CB1 2FB, United Kingdom

  • *cc619@cam.ac.uk

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Issue

Vol. 111, Iss. 25 — 20 December 2013

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