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1	Transition metal solar absorbers Altschul, Emmeline Beth 02 July 2012 (has links) A new approach to the discovery of high absorbing semiconductors for solar cells was taken by working under a set of design principles and taking a systemic methodology. Three transition metal chalcogenides at varying states of development were evaluated within this framework. Iron pyrite (FeS��) is well known to demonstrate excellent absorption, but the coexistence with metallic iron sulfides was found to disrupt its semiconducting properties. Manganese diselenide (MnSe��), a material heavily researched for its magnetic properties, is proposed as a high absorbing alternative to iron pyrite that lacks destructive impurity phases. For the first time, a MnSe�� thin film was synthesized and the optical properties were characterized. Finally, CuTaS��, a known but never characterized material, is also proposed as a high absorbing semiconductor based on the design principles and experimental results. / Graduation date: 2013 Solar absorber absorption copper tantalum trisulfide chalcogenide metal pyrite manganese diselenide band structure solar energy inverse design design principle density of states thin film photovoltaic Solar cells -- Materials Transition metal compounds Chalcogenides Semiconductor films Metallic films Solar cells -- Design and construction