Growth of luminescent ceramic films doped with silver nanoparticles for the solar radiation adaptation in photovoltaic cells

The project focuses on the ceramic films growth in the field of solar cells coatings allowing conversion of the solar spectrum to the sensitivity of cells. These works are upstream applications, the objective is to optimize the performance of emitters pairs (Pr3+-Yb3+ and/or Eu2+-Yb3+) for the spectral conversion by incorporating silver nanoparticles (Np). Several host matrices - oxides and fluorides will be prepared by pulsed laser ablation (PLD) or hybrid techniques combining electron beam evaporationand PLD. The effect of Np morphology and its distance to luminescent centers in these different materials will be studied. Finally, the project also aims to study the fundamental mechanisms brought into play in the Np/rare earth coupling, yet little studied.