Monte-Carlo simulations of light propagation in luminescent solar concentrators based on semiconductor nanoparticles

Semiconductor nanoparticles have a wide absorption band and small reabsorption probability, which makes them great candidates for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). We use Monte-Carlo simulations of photon transport to predict the performance of LSCs based on "type-II" CdSe-CdTe quantum dots. These computations suggest that semiconductor-based LSCs can be highly efficient. The optimum performance is reached with a fairly long LSC with a photovoltaic cell covering only one edge. In addition, when the LSC has CdSe-CdTe nanorods that are aligned perpendicular to the top surface, the escape of photons from the top surface is significantly reduced. These results are encouraging for cost-effective LSC designs based on semiconductor nanoparticles. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3619809]