Quantum Photocell: Using Quantum Coherence to Reduce Radiative Recombination and Increase Efficiency

Author(s): Marlan O. ScullyThe fundamental limit to photovoltaic efficiency is widely thought to be radiative recombination which balances radiative absorption. We here show that it is possible to break detailed balance via quantum coherence, as in the case of lasing without inversion and the photo-Carnot quantum heat engine....[Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 207701] Published Fri May 21, 2010