Tailoring hot carrier effects in semiconductor nanowires by spatial confinement

III-V nanowire structures have shown promising results in mitigating hot carrier thermalization rates suitable for hot carrier solar cell applications. This effect is attributed to the spatial confinement of charged particles and the adjustment of material properties in these nanostructures. Furthermore, by designing vertically standing nanowires, it is possible to improve photo-absorption by increasing internal surface reflection. Investigating the properties of hot carriers in core-shell InGaAs nanowires has shown evidence for a strong diameter dependence of these nanostructures. Determining the origin of this effect provides valuable information for the development of efficient hot carrier absorbers for 3rd generation solar cells.