Leica Opens Imaging Center in Heidelberg: Week in Brief: 02/04/22

Researchers at the Australian National University achieved a fill factor of more than 86%, breaking their previous record. According to the researchers, the conversion efficiency of state-of-the-art cells is limited by the cell’s fill factor — typically less than 83%, which is below the Shockley Queisser limit of approximately 90%. The team introduced a reverse-doping process to fabricate nitrogen-doped titanium oxide electron transport layers with outstanding charge transport performance, creating cells with fill factors greater than 86%, and an average fill factor of 85.3%. The research was published in Nature (www.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04216-5).

WETZLAR, Germany — Leica Microsystems, a manufacturer of microscopes and scientific instruments, opened its state-of-the-art Imaging Centre at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg. The imaging center will serve as a hub to drive collaborative research.

Leica’s Imaging Centre in Heidelberg, Germany. Courtesy of Leica Microsystems.

INDIANAPOLIS — Vertellus, a manufacturer of specialty materials, acquired Polyscope Polymers BV, a maker of specialty additives for coatings, electronics applications, and engineering polymers. With the addition of Polyscope’s complementary product portfolio and advanced manufacturing capabilities, Vertellus expands its European production capabilities and extends its reach in high-growth end markets. Vertellus is owned by Pritzker Private Capital.

* A previous version of this article emphasized the efficiency of solar cells developed by Australian National University, rather than their fill factor. The article has been updated to reflect the focus of the research.