Autumn School on Microstructural Characterization and Modelling of Thin Film Solar Cells
From November 2 ‐ 7, 2014, an Autumn school is organised as part of the Helmholtz Virtual Institute Microstructure Control for Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Contact: autumn.school@helmholtz-berlin.de
In research and development of solar cells, the issue of microstructure and its impact on the device performance is often regarded inadequately, mostly because of insufficient knowledge about analysis and simulation methods. Apart from the microstructural properties of completed thin films in semiconductor devices, it is also of concern how the microstructure develops during growth.
The school aims at giving insight into various techniques for microstructural analysis as well as simulation methods of the growth of crystalline materials apart from a session on electricalmaterials and device characterization. Each session will comprise a keynote lecture of an expert in the corresponding field, followed by a 2‐3 hours hands‐on tutorial, giving the participants the possibility to get deeper into the topic, with the help of a specific question to be solved in teamwork practices.
Two poster sessions are also planned as evening events, which intensify the discussions and scientific exchange between experts and participants.
- Industrial Research Fellow at HZB: More time for discussionsThe South African chemist Denzil Moodley is the first Industrial Research Fellow at HZB. He is playing a leading role in the CARE-O-SENE project. The Fellowship program aims to further accelerate the development of an efficient catalyst for a sustainable aviation fuel. An interview about the CARE-O-SENE project and why it is so important for scientists from industry and public research to work together.
- Perovskites: Hybrid materials as highly sensitive X-ray detectorsNew bismuth-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials show exceptional sensitivity and long-term stability as X-ray detectors, significantly more sensitive than commercial X-ray detectors. In addition, these materials can be produced without solvents by ball milling, a mechanochemical synthesis process that is environmentally friendly and scalable. More sensitive detectors would allow for a reduction in the radiation exposure during X-ray examinations.
- Electrical energy storage: BAM, HZB, and HU Berlin plan joint Berlin Battery LabThe Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), and Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Berlin Battery Lab. The lab will pool the expertise of the three institutions to advance the development of sustainable battery technologies. The joint research infrastructure will also be open to industry for pioneering projects in this field.