About the Lab
The Saive Lab develops innovative strategies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy conversion. The group focuses on advanced light management concepts—including free-space luminescent solar concentrators, diffuse light collimation, and spectrum-shifting 'cold photon' approaches—that allow solar cells to capture more energy from both direct and diffuse sunlight. Alongside optical design, the lab investigates new photovoltaic materials such as perovskite nanocrystals and 2D semiconductors, as well as novel fabrication techniques like string printing for solar cell contacts. Beyond materials and device physics, the lab studies real-world applications, from optimizing bifacial solar panels in agrivoltaics to assessing the sustainability of solar systems within planetary boundaries.
Research in the group combines theory, simulation, and hands-on experimentation, using tools such as nanophotonic design, spectroscopy, microscopy, and device prototyping. Prospective students with interests in renewable energy, optics, nanomaterials, or sustainable technology will find opportunities to contribute at the interface of physics, materials science, and engineering. The overarching goal is to push solar photovoltaics beyond traditional efficiency limits while ensuring their role in a sustainable energy future.