Education?
Masters degree in astrophysics, UiO

Nationality?
Norwegian

Position/Department?
PhD, Solar Energy

Which responsibilities or main tasks do you have in your job?
My job is to study how porous silicon can be used to capture light in very thin silicon solar cells. The porous silicon is etched in our laboratory and characterised using for instance scanning electron microscopy and ellipsometry. The layer thickness and porosity must then be optimised to obtain the highest possible effect for the solar cell. The goal is to publish articles within this research field and thereby achieve my PhD in physics.

Why did you apply for this job?
During the two years of my Masters degree in astrophysics, I found the working methods enjoyable and decided to continue with research. Astrophysics is fascinating, but as the job opportunities in Norway are not too abundant, it became desirable to switch fields. Environmental questions and concerns have always interested me and solar cells is a promising technology which I like to learn more about.

What is it that interests you in this field of research?
Working to solve the world’s climate challenges – to find methods to maintain today’s living standards. How can it not be interesting?

How would you describe working at IFE?
My work at IFE differs from day to day – laboratory work, reading, data analysis and discussions. The department I work for is expanding rapidly with many new people, and we have a brand new laboratory at our disposal. This results in a very young and pleasant work environment, something that means a lot to me. IFE is a large research institution which gives you the opportunity to work with good equipment and highly topical approaches.

Which challenges have you experienced?
Firstly, it was to read up on a new subject – solar cells - and the physics that it rests on. Secondly, to find a direction for the thesis, something which is often difficult since at this point one usually doesn’t have a complete overview of the field.  Finally, there is all the practical stuff, being patient while waiting for equipment that is ordered and even more patient while trying to make it work exactly like it should. That’s just what experimental physics is like.

Any visions about how this technology can change the world?
My hope is that solar cell technology, combined with other renewable energy technologies, will replace oil as our primary energy source. I also hope that this will happen in the near future and prevent us from experiencing the “worst case” global warming scenarios.

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