Two-dimensional photonic crystals as selective emitters for thermophotovoltaic power conversion applications

This research investigates the use of two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals (PhC) as selective emitters and means of achieving higher efficiencies in combustion-driven thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems intended as auxiliary power systems in automobiles. A TPV power conversion system functions on the principle of direct conversion of thermal radiation into electricity. A basic TPV system consists of an emitter and a photovoltaic (PV) diode. The emitter is heated and radiates photons of various energies. The PV diode captures the incident photons whose energy is equal to or greater than the band-gap energy of the PV diode. Ideally, all captured photons are converted into electricity. This thesis develops the fabrication process for a high-efficiency selective emitter. The radiation spectrum of this structure is closely matched to the sensitivity spectrum of the PV diode. The selective emitter is a 1[mu]m-period 2D PhC in tungsten consisting of 0.8/[mu]m holes in a square lattice. The background of selective radiation and structure selection process are presented in this text. The preliminary structures are fabricated using Lloyd's mirror laser interferometer and developed using reactive ion etching. The detailed parameters of preparation, exposure, soft- and hard-mask etching are presented. The physical analysis results are reported and compared to the expected structure.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Jovanovic, Natalija Zorana

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• John G. Kassakian.

• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/33851

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/33851