Short circuit current enhancement in GaAs/AlGaAs MQW solar cells

The GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well solar cell (QWSC) shows promise as a novel approach to higher efficiency solar cells but suffers from a poor short circuit current Jsc. We report on efforts to reduce this problem with the use of compositional grading and back surface mirroring. We present experimental q...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Connolly, James P, Barnham, Keith W J, Nelson, Jenny, Roberts, Christine, Pate, Malcolm, Roberts, John S
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 11.06.2016
Subjects
Aluminum gallium arsenides
Circuits
Design optimization
Gallium arsenide
Optical thickness
Photovoltaic cells
Quantum efficiency
Quantum wells
Short circuit currents
Solar cells
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Summary:The GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well solar cell (QWSC) shows promise as a novel approach to higher efficiency solar cells but suffers from a poor short circuit current Jsc. We report on efforts to reduce this problem with the use of compositional grading and back surface mirroring. We present experimental quantum efficiency (QE) data on a range of compositionally graded QWSCs and devices in which the back surface of the cell is coated with a mirror, increasing the optical thickness of the quantum well layer in the long wavelength range. The experimental QE spectra are reproduced by a model which deals with arbitrary compositional profiles and optical cavities formed in the mirrored cells. The model is used to design an optimised QWSC, and projected Jsc values given. Applications including II-VI and tandem solar cells are considered.
ISSN:2331-8422