Modelling of lattice matched dilute nitride 4-junction concentrator solar cells on Ge substrates

Abstract

Technology Computer Aided Design modeling is used to examine the performance under light concentration of a 4-J solar cell Ge-based that includes a 1-eV MBE-grown dilute nitride subcell. The 1-eV solar cell is modeled and examined by using material parameters extracted from detailed electro-optical characterization prior to be included into a multijunction structure. The modelling reveals the impact of the electric field-assisted collection in the performance of single junction solar cells and its effect when included in a 4-Junction solar cells. This effect is responsible for the lower FF (~15% lower) in the 4J when including the dilute nitride subcell, especially if it limits the photocurrent. Finally, an optimization procedure based on dilute nitrides with higher material quality is performed resulting in a 4-Junction solar cell with an efficiency of 47% for concentrations between 1000-2000 suns direct terrestrial spectrum.