Multistage PV conversion using a metamaterial based on the nanostructured Si

Completing one-step PV conversion by additional new low-energy mechanisms is one of the most important challenges of modern photovoltaics. Si is a basic PV material which is not efficient enough to convert light into electricity in its bulk or thin film form because of its indirect bandgap. Progress in conversion efficiency requires breakthroughs. One way has been indicated by low-dimensional or nanostructured Si materials as, for example, nanoscale Si-layered systems combined with an active interface with its crystalline defects.