The goal of this proposal is to create a laboratory for the optical characterization of photovoltaics and other advanced materials in the department of physics and astronomy at austin peay state…

The goal of this proposal is to create a laboratory for the optical characterization of photovoltaics and other advanced materials in the department of physics and astronomy at austin peay state university (apsu). The creation of this laboratory is due to a recent convergence of events at apsu. Namely, a successful recruiting strategy has helped bring record numbers of physics majors at apsu many of whom are some of the top high school students in the state, which in turn has led to the understanding that the physics department at apsu must expand their experimental physics research and curriculum. At the same time hemlock semiconductor corporation (HSC) announced an initial investment of $1.2 billion to build a new polysilicon manufacturing facility in clarksville, tennessee, home of apsu. Polysilicon is a key component in solar cells and HSC is looking to produce 21,000 metric tons per year of polysilicon at the clarksville facility. To provide enough technicians, apsu has started a two year associates degree program in chemical engineering technology at the behest of HSC; however, there will certainly be a demand for scientists with B.S. Degrees and higher in material science and photovoltaics as more companies come to the clarksville area to take advantage of HSC's presence. Finally, in anticipation of this need, the physics departments at fisk university and apsu are working towards an ongoing collaboration between the two schools for the study of advanced materials. A memorandum of understanding has been developed to strengthen research ties in the form of the institute for advanced materials and photovoltaics (iamp). Furthermore this MOU will create a streamlined bridge program for students at apsu to obtain a B.S. In physics and proceed directly to the M.A. Physics program at fisk. Currently the MOU has been agreed to in principle by the physics departments at both schools and has been signed by the provost at apsu and is currently awaiting signatures from the appropriate officials at fisk university. The instrumentation requested in this proposal will be reviewed in detail in section 3.1. Aside from the physical specifications of each instrument in this proposal, each instrument was chosen on our ability to operate IT in an undergraduate environment, safety, and modularity. To start, the research program will work very closely with fisk's research in organic photovoltaics and then branch off into a looser collaboration. IT is expected that these instruments will provide the foundation for a strong and vigorous experimental program at apsu for years to come. The proposed laser system consists of a high energy, pulsed ND:YAG laser (spectra-physics quanta-RAY pro series) and an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) (spectra-physics premiscan OPO with mid-band option). The q-switched ND:YAG laser will generate nanosecond pules at 1064NM, and an internal harmonic generator will produce the second- and third-harmonics. The ND:YAG laser can be used on its own, or will be used to pump the OPO, which has a tuning range from 400-2630NM. We also propose purchasing a raman microscope, which will allow US to perform stoichiometric measurements on new photovoltaic materials, a fluorometer that will allow for steady-state and life-time measurements of these materials, and source-meters for measuring i-v curves. Finally, money has been budgeted for the purchase of necessary lab and safety supplies.