Professor Philip Jennings

Room: PhSc/2.040

Research

Amorphous silicon, solar cells, environmental radiation, renewable energy education.

Projects

Electromagnetic Radiation in the Environment

A study of the presence and effects of electromagnetic radiation in the environment and in the workplace. This involves a review of the literature, an assessment of the health effects of different types of radiation and some measurements of electromagnetic fields in various locations.

Radon Measurements

Radon is a common hazard in houses and factories where uranium and thorium-bearing rocks are present. The extent of the radon problem in WA is still uncertain. This project involves some field work, measurement and analysis to determine the extent of the problem in WA.

Photodegradation of Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells

(In collaboration with Dr Christopher Lund and Dr John Cornish)

Amorphous silicon is one of the most promising new materials for the production of thin film solar cells. However, there are still several barriers to its widespread use. These include its instability under irradiation - the tendency of the material to decompose over time. Efforts have been made to limit this effect and further progress will depend on a better understanding of the process of photodegradation. This project will focus on the degradation process in amorphous silicon and methods of limiting or reversing it.

Studies of Structure and Bonding in Amorphous Silicon

(In collaboration with Dr John Cornish)

Amorphous silicon is a promising new material with a wide range of technological applications. It has a short range structure which can be modelled by studying molecular clusters of silicon and hydrogen. The electronic states and vibrational energies of these clusters can be computed using molecular modelling packages. The computed electronic and vibrational spectra may be compared with the results of experiments to determine the best models of the amorphous silicon material. This process can be applied to a study of the properties of this material.

Renewable Energy Education

(In collaboration with Dr Christopher Lund)

The development and evaluation of materials for renewable energy education in schools and universities. This includes researching problems of energy use, new technologies and applications. Preparation of information and learning materials and evaluation of them.

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