Utilizing the interaction of light and silicon is an up-coming field. Photovoltaic cells made of silicon convert light into electric current. Increasingly, silicon thin-film cells are coming into focus. Provided with nanostructures, silicon is getting attractive for other optical applications as well: Nanowires with diameters of 10 to 100 nm are feasible as waveguides, optically readable sensors of vast surface area, tips for TERS (tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy), and for a new generation of solar cells.

Research Topics

• thin-film solar cells made of laser crystallized silicon on glass
• silicon nanowires for solar cells, sensor technology, optoelectronics and TERS
• laser modification of thin films and bulk material