The SUNLAB specializes in 5 key areas related to solar energy, optoelectronics, and photonics. These areas include the following:
- Ultra-high efficiencies: multi-junction solar cells
- Novel concepts: materials, nanostructures, wavelength conversion
- Photonic power: power-over-fiber, power opto-couplers
- Solar concentrator systems: optical design and analysis
- Outdoor testing: performance monitoring under real-world conditions
- Annual energy yield modeling: concentrator and bifacial photovoltaic systems
- Modeling comparisons of satellite to ground measurements
- Modeling irradiance from limited information (ex. GHI → DNI)
- Modeling spectra from irradiance measurements
- Smart photovoltaic nanogrids with intelligent control systems
- Battery integration and load management
- Smart sensors for the Internet of Things
- Light Emitting Sources:
- Semiconductor lasers (InP, GaAs)
- Semiconductor optical amplifiers
- Telecommunications subsystem performance