David Young

David Young is a Group Research Manager III in Materials Science and Chemistry and Nanoscience at the Colorado School of Mines. He has been an Adjunct Professor in the Physics Department since 2012.

Education:

• PhD in Applied Physics, Colorado School of Mines
• Master of Physics, Indiana University Bloomington
• Bachelor of Physics, Greenville College

Research Interests span the silicon photovoltaic (PV) supply chain, with a focus on

• Advanced TOPCon poly-Silicon/SiO2 passivating contact cell designs
• Understanding degradation modes in p-type contacts
• Polymer-free glass/glass module recyclability
• Gas-to-boule reactor designs for low-carbon silicon production
• AI-assisted optimization of anti-reflection coatings
• Copper metal contact integration

Recent Publications highlight expertise in silicon solar cell passivation, heterojunction fabrication, and contact resistivity measurement techniques. His work combines materials science, semiconductor physics, and renewable energy systems.

Scientific Awards:

• R&D 100 Award (2011)
• R&D 100 Award (2020)

Research Output includes over 240 publications, patents, and technical reports since 1999. He actively collaborates in solar cell engineering and polysilicon research. His projects address embodied carbon reduction and recycling-friendly PV module designs.