Solar Cell Research Center, Materials Science and Technology Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 136-791, KoreaReceived March 8, 2011, Accepted June 13, 2011Two novel quinacridone (QNC) dyes with thiophene or benzene-conjugated bridge and cyanoacrylic acidacceptor were first designed and synthesized for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The absorptionspectra, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of these dyes were investigated. Under simulated AM1.5G irradiation conditions, the solar cell based on the quinacridone dye containing thiophene as a bridge unithad a short-circuit photocurrent density of 8.51 mA·cm