Strained and strain-balanced quantum well devices for high-efficiency tandem solar cells

The state of GaAs/InGaAs quantum well solar cell research is reviewed. The effect of strain upon the GaAs/InGaAs cells is discussed and the limits to a strained GaAs/InGaAs cell established. The strain-balance approach is suggested as a means of overcoming the limits inherent to the strained approac...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Solar energy materials and solar cells 2001, Vol.68 (1), p.71-87
Main Authors:	Ekins-Daukes, N.J., Barnes, J.M., Barnham, K.W.J., Connolly, J.P., Mazzer, M., Clark, J.C., Grey, R., Hill, G., Pate, M.A., Roberts, J.S.
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Condensed Matter GaAs/InGaAs Physics Quantum well solar cell Strain-balance and tandem solar cell
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	The state of GaAs/InGaAs quantum well solar cell research is reviewed. The effect of strain upon the GaAs/InGaAs cells is discussed and the limits to a strained GaAs/InGaAs cell established. The strain-balance approach is suggested as a means of overcoming the limits inherent to the strained approach and the principle is demonstrated in two differing device configurations. The strain-balance devices show enhanced efficiencies over their strained counterparts and in one case, comparable efficiency to a good GaAs control cell. The application of these cells to tandem structures is discussed, indicating the potential for a substantial efficiency enhancement.
ISSN:	0927-0248 1879-3398