Khawla Al-Qurashi

Energy Transition Specialization · Cohort 2025

Mapping Surface Dynamics in Solar Cell Materials Using Ultrafast SEM

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, renewable energy has become a national priority, placing solar technologies at the forefront. Enhancing solar cell efficiency requires a fundamental understanding of how free carriers, electrons and holes, behave at the surface where most light absorption occurs. Our research utilizes a one of a kind Ultrafast Scanning Electron Microscopy (USEM) to probe charge carrier dynamics at high spatial and temporal resolutions. By comparing GaAs and CdTe, two leading photovoltaic materials, we aim to uncover critical surface level processes that influence device performance. This research aims to provide insights that could enhance the performance and efficiency of solar cells based on these materials.

Mentor: Razan Nughays

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