University of Delaware, The Institute of Energy Conversion

The Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC), established at the
University of Delaware in 1972, is a laboratory devoted to research and
development of thin-film photovoltaic solar cells and other photonic
devices. IEC was designated a University Center of Excellence for
Photovoltaic Research and Education by the Department of Energy and the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory in 1992 . Fundamental materials
and device research is carried out in parallel with process engineering
studies and analysis of film deposition and processing. The broad scope
of the research and development effort offers opportunity for study in
the fields of physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical
engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering as well
as collaboration with industrial groups seeking to manufacture and
commercialize photovoltaics. IEC is a totally integrated laboratory in
which materials and films are synthesized and characterized and
electrical devices are fabricated and analyzed, offering the unique
experience of correlating properties of completed devices with their
fabrication processing all under one roof. Close collaboration between
IEC staff and thin film photovoltaic industrial partners insures that
the research is relevant to today's technology and includes
state-of-the-art process development.

The Institute is staffed by approximately 20 professional and support
personnel as well as faculty, visiting scholars, post-doctoral fellows,
graduate and undergraduate students. Professional staff members jointly
supervise graduate students for Masters and Doctorate degrees in
conjunction with the departments of Chemical Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics.
Students must apply through the academic department of their choosing
at the University of Delaware. The professional staff members also
lecture in undergraduate and graduate level courses, supervise
undergraduate student research projects, and are active in related
professional organizations. In addition to these resources, students
conducting research at IEC have the opportunity for internships at
other laboratories such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in
Denver, CO and at industrial facilities.