Yoon Research Group (ECE, University of Utah)
We are excited to have a new publication by Etee and Ashraful on point-contact CdTe back contacts incorporating an Al₂O₃ back reflector. The work demonstrates an effective back-contact design that enhances device performance and provides valuable insights into interface engineering for CdTe solar cells.
“Microstructural Passivation of Patterned Al2O3 Back Contacts on CdS/CdTe Solar Cells”, Advanced Materials Interfaces (https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202400501)
We are excited to have three new undergrad researchers on our team. Stella is a freshman, one of the Engineering Scholars at the College of Engineering. Donggeon shows a strong background in semiconductor devices. Welcome!
Judy receives the NSF ETAP (Education and Training Application) Scholarship. Congratulations! This fund will support Judy’s continuing her research project in solar technology in conjunction with the Nanofab experience. We also thank the professors, Prof. Sensale Rodriguez and Prof. Menon, for their support.
Dr. Yoon receives a new grant for “Sustainable Urban Green Spaces with Solar Technology”.
We will closely collaborate with Prof. Sarah Hinners at Red Butte Garden (https://redbuttegarden.org/themed-gardens/) and Prof. Timothy Adekunle at the School of Architecture (https://soa.cap.utah.edu/). We are excited about this new project. We sincerely appreciate the support from the VPR at the University of Utah (https://www.research.utah.edu/announcements/10-teams-awarded-1u4u-seed-grants/).
A new publication on translucent solar cells is now available online. It is a free access. Check it out. Excellent job, Ashif!
Translucent Si Solar Cells Patterned with Pulsed Ultraviolet Laser Beam
This study presents a fabrication technique utilizing a pulsed ultraviolet laser to produce translucent solar cells. The patterned cells preserve over 90% of the short-circuit current of their planar controls without requiring additional post-treatment. This approach offers the potential for rapid and scalable production of translucent solar cells, suitable for diverse applications, including building-integrated photovoltaics.
Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research: https://doi.org/10.1002/aesr.202400147
Dr. Yoon received the 2024 Outstanding ECE Teaching Award. She teaches two key courses in the area of Semiconductor Materials and Devices: (1) ECE 3200 – Introduction to Semiconductor Physics in the spring and (2) ECE 5255/6255 – Advanced Microscopy for Semiconductor Materials and Devices in the fall. Both courses are deeply aligned with her cutting-edge research in NanoEngineering for Energy.
I’m excited to share that Jaidan’s UROP proposal for the fall semester has been awarded. His exceptional contributions during his voluntary work this summer have stood out. We are looking forward to new research results in the new semester. Congratulations, Jaidan!
Two papers were presented at the 66th Electronc Materials Conference (EMC).
We welcome UAC students visiting our main campus in Salt Lake City. During the visit, Dr. Yoon gave an overview presentation on the latest research projects on renewable solar energy. Additionally, one of our group members (Mr. Taehoon Kim) shared valuable information about the course workload, campus facilities, and life in SLC.
Yoon’s research group is always looking for highly motivated team players. No prior research experience is required for undergraduate students (EE or CE major). If you want to join our team, please visit the “Opening” tab (here) in the menu for more information.
* All ECE students at UAC are required to take courses in SLC during their junior/senior years (https://asiacampus.utah.edu/academics/electrical-engineering-bs/). If you are interested in nano/microstructured semiconductors for next-gen optoelectronics and energy, please check out our recent research work.
As we celebrate the end of the 2024 Spring semester, I want to thank the collaborative spirit in our group. We work together, support each other, and rely on one another. I am grateful for all that we have accomplished this semester. Thank you!
(Left: Ashraful, Jaidan, Etee, Judy, Ashif, (middle top left) Taehoon, and Dr. Yoon)