Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
We describe the present state of the intermediate band (IB) solar cell research, a cell concept with very high efficiency potential. A comprehensive presentation of the theory is included followed of a description of its implementation using quantum dots and of the experiments performed to prove their principles. Present solar cells do not give today very high efficiencies; the steps to be given towards the real achievement of higher efficiencies is described and the use of alloys, instead of nanostructured materials, to fabricate IB cells is also discussed.