Nonlinear optical photovoltaics (presentation video)

Abstract

Nonlinear absorption was investigated in a poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) PCBM fullerene blend, one of the most popular organic solar cell’s materials. We observed three-photon absorption in the bulk hetero junction photodiode configuration. The output photocurrent of the photodiode was interpreted in terms of the three-photon absorption properties of the P3HT:PCBM blend at 1550 nm. Can the concept be extrapolated to high efficiency solar cells? We propose an optical antenna technology revisited with plasmonics and organic rectifiers that should permit the development of an ultra-high efficiency PV technology that is compatible with large-area fabrication (self assembling) and low-cost (plastic) technologies.