AlInAsSb for GaSb-based multi-junction solar cells

J. Tournet; Y. Rouillard; E. Tournié

doi:10.1117/12.2289791

16 February 2018 AlInAsSb for GaSb-based multi-junction solar cells

J. Tournet, Y. Rouillard, E. Tournié

Proceedings Volume 10527, Physics, Simulation, and Photonic Engineering of Photovoltaic Devices VII; 105270A (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2289791
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2018, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Bandgap engineering, by means of alloying or inserting nanostructures, is the bedrock of high efficiency photovoltaics. III-V quaternary alloys in particular enable bandgap tailoring of a multi-junction subcell while conserving a single lattice parameter. Among the possible candidates, AlInAsSb could in theory reach the widest range of bandgap energies while being lattice-matched to InP or GaSb. Although these material systems are still emerging photovoltaic segments, they do offer advantages for multi-junction design. GaSbbased structures in particular can make use of highly efficient GaSb/InAs tunnel junctions to connect the subcells. There has been only little information concerning GaSb-lattice matched AlInAsSb in the literature. The alloy’s miscibility gap can be circumvented by the use of non-equilibrium techniques. Nevertheless, appropriate growth conditions remain to be found in order to produce a stable alloy. Furthermore, the abnormally low bandgap energies reported for the material need to be confirmed and interpreted with a multi-junction perspective. In this work, we propose a tandem structure made of an AlInAsSb top cell and a GaSb bottom cell. An epitaxy study of the AlInAsSb alloy lattice-matched to GaSb was first performed. The subcells were then grown and processed. The GaSb subcell yielded an efficiency of 5.9% under 1 sun and the tandem cell is under optimization. Preliminary results are presented in this document.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

J. Tournet, Y. Rouillard, and E. Tournié "AlInAsSb for GaSb-based multi-junction solar cells", Proc. SPIE 10527, Physics, Simulation, and Photonic Engineering of Photovoltaic Devices VII, 105270A (16 February 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2289791

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