Multiple levels in intermediate band solar cells

Luque, A., Linares, P.G., Antolin, E., Cánovas, E., Farmer, C.D., Stanley, C.R. and Marti, A. (2010) Multiple levels in intermediate band solar cells. Applied Physics Letters, 96(1), 013501. (doi: 10.1063/1.3280387)

Abstract

The presence of multiple energy levels in the intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) is studied by detailed balance calculations under ideal conditions. Multiple levels are found experimentally in IBSCs made with quantum dots (QDs) which act to reduce the limiting efficiency determined from detailed balance calculations. J(L)-V-OC measurements up to 1000 suns on IBSCs are presented together with their fitting to modified detailed balance calculations. It is found that the introduction of the QDs degrades the performance of the host cell but the sub-bandgap cell operates close to ideality.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Cells, conduction bands, current density, dark conductivity, efficiency, energy, gallium arsenide, III-V semiconductors, performance, physics, quantum dots, solar cells, valence bands
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Farmer, Dr Corrie and Stanley, Professor Colin
• Authors: Luque, A., Linares, P.G., Antolin, E., Cánovas, E., Farmer, C.D., Stanley, C.R., and Marti, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters
• Journal Abbr.: Appl. Phys. Lett.
• ISSN: 0003-6951
• ISSN (Online): 1077-3118
• Published Online: 04 January 2010