Internship:Studying effect of light trapping structures

Internship:

Studying the effect of light trapping structures

Light trapping structures on thin film c‑Si have shown a strong increase in absorbance, linked to a high photocurrent generation, which should lead to more efficient devices. However, disentangling the effect of an increase in absorption and possible increased recombination at the light trapping structure is difficult. In this project, we aim to study single resonators up to whole patterns combining drift‑diffusion models and a new characterisation method: local surface photovoltage in our own atomic force microscope.

You are currently enrolled in a Master’s program in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field. You have a nationality of an EU‑member state and/or you are a student at a university in the Netherlands. The internship has to be a mandatory part of your curriculum. We expect you to be available for at least 5 months, although longer is preferable.

AMOLF is a part of NWO‑I and initiates and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees.(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..nl

The 3D Photovoltaics Group focuses on the investigation of nanoscale phenomena at (electrified) solid‑liquid interfaces and the development of new materials and energy conversion principles for sustainable energy generation.

Current photovoltaic technologies require the use of highly pure materials, where the purification process is very energy intensive. In the group, we investigate how the same conversion efficiency can be obtained with lower quality material by introducing nanophotonic concepts and rational light management strategies. We develop new fabrication pathways for photovoltaic absorber and contact layers within the framework of circular chemistry, that minimize raw material usage and less energy‑intensive systems.

In parallel, we are interested in the (in) direct storage of solar energy. In particular, we focus on underpinning the key physico‑chemical properties of solid‑liquid interfaces that rule charge transfer and conversion from electrical to chemical energy. For this, we develop in‑situ characterisation techniques with which electrochemical, optical and surface properties of materials can be determined with nanoscale resolution.

At the start of the traineeship your trainee plan will be set out, in consultation with your AMOLF supervisor.

AMOLF Energy Research Academy : AMOLF offers a special program for research internships in sustainable energy science. It is composed of a research project in one of AMOLF’s research groups, combined with a series of dedicated tutorials on fundamental aspects of the science behind sustainability technology. Admission to this Academy is only possible in combination with a research internship project at AMOLF.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).