Solar Cell Cosmos (IMAGE)
Caption
Organic electronics is an emerging field that holds promise for low-cost photovoltaic applications. This image of annealed organic solar cells was taken using an optical microscope with cross-polarizers and a Nomarski filter. The two moon-like circles are metal cathodes which define the active area of the device. Thermal annealing of these thin-film devices often leads to improved power conversion efficiency. In this case, however, annealing at a temperature near the melting point of one of the constituent components led to the formation of device-ruining ridges and valleys.
Credit
R. R. Lunt, Princeton Art of Science 2009
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This image, as long as it is unaltered and credited as coming from Princeton’s Art of Science competition, may be used and distributed by noncommercial entities. This image may not be used for any commercial purposes or for any purposes unconnected to Princeton’s Art of Science gallery unless explicit permission from the copyright holder is obtained.
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