March 2013
San Antonio Nano-Technology Forum (SANTF)
Networking Opportunities
Luncheon Meetings
Our next SANTF Networking Lunch is Thrusday May 2nd, 2013 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm. Prof. Arturo A. Ayon, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Director, MEMS Research Laboratory, UTSA will be our speaker. His topic "Nanotexturization for High Efficiency, Thin Film Photovoltaics" will provide a perspective into the challenges of cost/efficiency choices driving the solar cell market.
Location: Southwest Research InstituteBSB 3.03.02 Tom & Nancy Loeffler Seminar Room, BSB Building, UTSA, San Antonio, TX 78249
Lunch:
Abstract: Single junction, single crystal silicon (SCS) solar cells, in spite of their relatively high cost ($5.50 per watt in the San Antonio, Texas market), have captured more than eighty percent of the current solar cell market, because they are considered to be the best choice due to their relatively high efficiency. But cost is the main impediment for solar cells to capture a larger market share. Thus, identifying and demonstrating practical schemes to achieve device efficiencies comparable to SCS while reducing manufacturing costs, is considered the greatest challenge that needs to be overcome. We discuss the investigation and characterization of forward scattering phenomena arising in nanoparticle arrays near their localized plasmon resonance, which by producing a strong field enhancement effect on the substrate leads to higher optical absorption and, therefore, higher efficiencies of operation. Preliminary calculations indicate that the ultimate efficiency of an optimized silicon nanohole (SiNH) array in combination with the surface and bottom-of-a-trench Au nanoparticle arrays proposed herein, can be as high as 39.67% which compares favorably with the calculated efficiency of 31.11% for an optimized silicon nanohole array. Furthermore, the utilization of a silicon nitride antireflective coating is anticipated to increase the efficiency to a promising 41.88% while the utilization of a single-crystal silicon layer of thickness of approximately 2.8 microns will be instrumental in drastically reducing the manufacturing cost.
Prof. Arturo A. Ayon, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Director, MEMS Research Laboratory, UTSA
Details and registration for the May 2nd, 2013 meeting are available through the links in the right hand column, or RSVP to: info@santf.net.
Future Networking Luncheon Meetings:
-
June 2013 tbd
SANTF Purpose:
SANTF aims to provide participants with information on the state of nanotechnology research in Greater San Antonio institutions, presents trends in industry and research universities, informs innovative applications of nanotechnology, information related to current work in progress towards establishing national skills standards, details the involvement and support of national professional societies, and the current technician education programs supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The newly formed SANTF strives to build stronger communication and networking opportunities between educational and private businesses, both regionally and nationally; to solidify pipelines in education and stimulate job creation in the Greater San Antonio area in the field of nanotechnology and STEM related fields.
Mission:
SANTF brings together researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and companies in the Greater San Antonio area working in the areas of nanomaterials and nanotechnology to showcase innovations related to the development and application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials.
Goal:
Establish a venue for local researchers, early-stage investors, venture capitalists, and industry leaders to gather and discuss developments in nanotechnology and its applications in the areas of Biomaterials, Energy, Clean Technology, and Sustainability.
SANTF brings together major technology players in the area to form strong alliances among the researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Alamo Community Colleges, Trinity University, Texas State University in San Marcos, and other educational institutions. SANTF promotes intellectual creativity in the area of nanotechnology that will create a strong nanotechnology base in San Antonio.
The forum is expected to spur productive collaborations among the researchers in Greater San Antonio area and promote innovations leading to scientific discoveries and engineering innovations. SANTF is committed to enhancing San Antonio’s nanotechnology future and establishing the Alamo City as a global leader in nanotechnology.
Flyers for Past Luncheons: