Abstract
Using the unique features of the electronic band structure of alloys, we have designed, fabricated and tested a multiband photovoltaic device. The device demonstrates an optical activity of three energy bands that absorb, and convert into electrical current, the crucial part of the solar spectrum. The performance of the device and measurements of electroluminescence, quantum efficiency and photomodulated reflectivity are analyzed in terms of the band anticrossing model of the electronic structure of highly mismatched alloys. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using highly mismatched alloys to engineer the semiconductor energy band structure for specific device applications.
- Received 12 July 2010
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.028701
© 2011 The American Physical Society
Synopsis
Band together
Published 10 January 2011
Semiconductor alloys offer one way to improve the efficiency of solar cells.
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