Karin Hinzer is a Canadian physicist, professor and Vice Dean for Research at the University of Ottawa. She holds a University Research Chair in Photonic Devices for Energy. Her research considers new strategies to harness solar energy.

Karin Hinzer
Alma materUniversity of Ottawa
Scientific career
InstitutionsUniversity of Ottawa
ThesisOptical properties of GaAs-based self-assembled quantum dots and quantum dot lasers (2002)

Early life and education

edit

Hinzer was born in Canada.[1] She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Ottawa. Her Master's research investigated semiconductor quantum dot lasers.[2] Her early work considered the physics of quantum dots. She developed strategies to design and fabricate III-V multi-junction semiconductor devices at the National Research Council Canada.[3]

Research and career

edit

In 2007 she joined the University of Ottawa, where she launched a lab that models and characterises next-generation solar cells. She established SUNLAB, the top solar cell research facility in Canada.[4] She was appointed Tier II Canada Research Chair in Photonic Nanostructures and Integrated Devices, and worked alongside Morgan Solar to increase the efficiency of solar panels.[3] Hinzer showed that semiconductor quantum dots could be used to capture the whole solar spectrum, which could be used in combination with solar concentrators.[5] Working with the Université de Sherbrooke on a new strategy for high efficiency solar cells, which they achieved by reducing electrode-induced shadowing and size.[6]

Hinzer is the Vice Dean for Research at the University of Ottawa. She is Editor of the IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics.

Awards and honours

edit
  • 2010 Canadian Energy Award[7][8]
  • 2016 SPIE Women in Optcs Planner[1]
  • 2015 Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation Early Researcher Award[9]

Select publications

edit
  • M. Bayer; G. Ortner; O. Stern; et al. (7 May 2002). "Fine structure of neutral and charged excitons in self-assembled In(Ga)As/(Al)GaAs quantum dots". Physical Review B. 65 (19). doi:10.1103/PHYSREVB.65.195315. ISSN 0163-1829. Wikidata Q59475971.
  • Manfred Bayer; Hawrylak P; Hinzer K; Fafard S; Korkusinski M; Wasilewski ZR; Stern O; Alfred Forchel (1 January 2001). "Coupling and entangling of quantum states in quantum dot molecules". Science. 291 (5503): 451–453. doi:10.1126/SCIENCE.291.5503.451. ISSN 0036-8075. PMID 11161192. Wikidata Q59476118.
  • Fafard S; Hinzer K; Raymond S; Dion M; McCaffrey J; Feng Y; Charbonneau S (1 November 1996). "Red-Emitting Semiconductor Quantum Dot Lasers". Science. 274 (5291): 1350–1353. doi:10.1126/SCIENCE.274.5291.1350. ISSN 0036-8075. PMID 8910269. Wikidata Q36831471.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Karin Hinzer | Women in Optics | SPIE". spie.org. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
  2. ^ "Semiconductor quantum dot lasers | WorldCat.org". search.worldcat.org. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
  3. ^ a b "Karin Hinzer". Faculty of Engineering. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
  4. ^ Studio, OBJ360 Content (2018-06-14). "uOttawa's SUNLAB shines light on future of green energy – Ottawa Business Journal". Retrieved 2024-08-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ "Doubling the Efficiency of Solar Cells". www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
  6. ^ "Revolutionary breakthrough in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells at the University of Ottawa". EurekAlert!. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
  7. ^ "Inaugural Canadian Energy Innovation Award Presented to Morgan Solar". 2010-11-16.
  8. ^ "Inaugural Canadian Energy Innovation Award presented to Morgan Solar - Electrical BusinessElectrical Business". www.ebmag.com. 2010-11-25. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
  9. ^ "Science of light transforms modern life" (PDF). THE GLOBE AND MAIL.