Photon management with luminescent materials

Photon management aims for higher efficiencies by making a better use of the full solar spectrum. The underlying idea is to split or modify the solar spectrum before the photons are absorbed in a solar cell. In this paper we investigate the concept of fluorescent concentrators, which allow for spectral splitting and concentration without the need for tracking systems. We also present an advanced upconversion design, which combines upconversion, spectral and geometric concentration with the help of fluorescent concentrators, and spectral management with photonic structures.