Graduate Research at IEC

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.