CM Seminar @ICTP Stasi Room Friday 9 February 11:30 am Robert ALICKI

[CM Section]

ICTP  Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics
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Friday 9 February at 11:30 a.m.
Luigi Stasi Seminar Room, first floor, ICTP Leonardo building
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Speaker: Robert ALICKI
(Institute of Theoretical Physicsand Astrophysics, Univ. of Gdansk, Poland)

Title:
Self-Oscillations in Photovoltaic/Thermoelectric/Fuel Cells and 
Biological Engines

Abstract:

A standard textbook picture of photovoltaic/thermoelectric/fuel cells 
(PTF) and biological engines (e.g. proton pumps) assumes a direct 
transformation of light, heat or chemical energy into electric current. 
However, this scheme is inconsistent with the basic principles of 
electrodynamics and thermodynamics. To solve this problem the mechanism 
of collective electric charge self-oscillations fed by a constant energy 
supply, has been proposed. A simple analog system - a steam engine used 
to propel the so-called "putt-putt boat" is used to illustrate the 
physics of work generation in PTF. The main new prediction of the 
proposed  theory is the emission of electromagnetic radiation by PTF in 
THz or IR region, or conversely, resonant stimulation of PTF by 
electromagnetic oscillations. Remarkably, both phenomena has been 
recently observed in photovoltaic devices based on organic materials, 
but treated as only auxiliary effects enhancing their efficiency.__