The molecular photo-cell: Quantum transport and energy conversion at strong non-equilibrium

Shigeru Ajisaka, Bojan Žunkovič, Yonatan Dubi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

The molecular photo-cell is a single molecular donor-acceptor complex attached to electrodes and subject to external illumination. Besides the obvious relevance to molecular photo-voltaics, the molecular photo-cell is of interest being a paradigmatic example for a system that inherently operates in out-of-equilibrium conditions and typically far from the linear response regime. Moreover, this system includes electrons, phonons and photons, and environments which induce coherent and incoherent processes, making it a challenging system to address theoretically. Here, using an open quantum systems approach, we analyze the non-equilibrium transport properties and energy conversion performance of a molecular photo-cell, including both coherent and incoherent processes and treating electrons, photons, and phonons on an equal footing. We find that both the non-equilibrium conditions and decoherence play a crucial role in determining the performance of the photovoltaic conversion and the optimal energy configuration of the molecular system.

Original languageEnglish
Article number8312
Pages (from-to)8312
Number of pages1
JournalScientific Reports
Volume5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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