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.
- Received 23 July 2013
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.253601
© 2013 American Physical Society
Synopsis
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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