Nanophysics of Solar and Renewable Energy

This easily accessible textbook provides an overview of solar to electric energy conversion, followed by a detailed look at one aspect, namely photovoltaics, including the underlying principles and fabrication methods. Professor Wolf, an experienced author and teacher, reviews such green technologies as solar–heated–steam power, hydrogen, and artificial leaf approaches, as well as nuclear fusion. The energy generation in the sun is explained and applied to terrestrial fusion reactors. The book is self–contained so as to be suitable for students with introductory calculus–based courses in physics, chemistry, or engineering. It introduces concepts in quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular physics, plus the solid state and semiconductor junction physics needed to attain a quantitative understanding of the current status of this field. With its comments on economic aspects, it is also a useful tool for those readers interested in a career in alternative energy.