Since the incorporation of hybrid perovskites into solar cells as a light absorbing material in 2009, the efficiency of these types of solar cells has increased dramatically. While many of the increases in device efficiency have come about due to the engineering of new device architectures, there is still a lack of knowledge when it comes to understanding these materials on a fundamental level. Transient absorption spectroscopy is a technique similar to high speed photography, which allows us to take snapshots of processes occurring in a material on a very fast time scale. In this way, we can track the movement of charges as they pass through different layers in a solar cell, as well as measure what time scales these processes occur on. A greater understanding of these charge transfer processes will allow for the rational design of solar cell devices with yet higher efficiencies.
Advisor: Cody Schlenker, Chemistry