Photonic Materials for Light-Energy Conversion Group
Prof. Dr. Rebecca Saive – Inorganic Materials Science (IMS), University of Twente
About the Group
The Photonic Materials for Light-Energy Conversion group, led by Prof. Dr. Rebecca Saive, is part of the Inorganic Materials Science (IMS) chair. We focus on understanding and engineering the interaction between light and materials to improve solar energy conversion. Our research bridges photonics, materials science, and applied physics, and targets real-world energy challenges through advanced optical design and nanomaterials.
We are an interdisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, and electrical engineers. In nearly all our projects, students can contribute from different perspectives — whether through computational modeling, optical and electrical characterization, or materials synthesis and device fabrication. Our topics are suitable for students from Applied Physics (AP), Advanced Technology (AT), Nanotechnology (NT), Sustainable Energy Technology (SET), Chemical Engineering (CSE), Electrical Engineering (EE), and related technical disciplines.
If you are curious about light–matter interactions, advanced microscopy, or innovative solar energy technologies, our group offers exciting opportunities for both Bachelor and Master students.
Research Challenges and Student Project Opportunities
1. Photonic Metamaterials for Enhanced Photovoltaic Yield
In this project, we design photonic metamaterials that enhance the amount of light reflected towards nearby solar panels, increasing their overall energy yield. We explore both natural photonic structures—such as grass in agrivoltaic systems—and engineered metamaterials for use in the built environment.
Broad audience overview (Universiteit van Nederland lecture): How can we collect more solar energy on a cloudy day?
Possible student projects:
1. Development of silica sol–gel based metamaterials
Ideal for: Chemistry or Materials Science specialization within Physics
2. Design and characterization of large-area prototypes
Ideal for: Sustainable Energy Technology (SET) or Mechanical Engineering
3. Investigation of different back reflector designs
Ideal for: Applied Physics (AP), Advanced Technology (AT), Nanotechnology (NT)
4. Optical modeling of real-case illumination scenarios
Ideal for: Sustainable Energy Technology (SET)
2. Effectively Transparent Contacts Manufactured with String Printing
Metallic front contacts are essential for solar cells but cause shading losses, representing one of the largest efficiency limitations. We have developed a novel manufacturing technique called “string printing” that creates triangular cross-section front contacts, effectively eliminating shading losses.
Project introduction video: Transparent Contacts via String Printing (YouTube)
Possible student projects:
1. Conceptual design and modeling of optimal contact layouts
Ideal for: Electrical Engineering or Physics
2. Ray-tracing simulations to study realistic and optimized geometries
Ideal for: Sustainable Energy Technology (SET) or Physics
3. Experimental work on precursor mixtures and characterization (Scanning electron microscopy, optical and electrical analysis, solar cell performance)
Ideal for: SET, Physics, or Chemistry
4. Optimization of printing mechanisms and mechanical design
Ideal for: SET or Mechanical Engineering
3. Scanning Probe Microscopy on 2D Solar Cells
This project focuses on understanding charge transport in 2D-material-based solar cells using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) and related scanning probe techniques. By identifying bottlenecks in charge transport, we aim to optimize these super lightweight solar cells for future space and flexible applications.
This project is conducted in collaboration with the University of Münster (Germany), offering opportunities for short research visits for sample preparation and complementary measurements. All student projects include comprehensive training in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM).