Quantum well and quantum dot energy harvesting devices (original) (raw)

Proceedings of SPIE, 2011

Abstract

ABSTRACT Quantum structured solar cells seek to harness a wide spectrum of photons at high voltages by embedding low energy-gap wells or dots within a high energy-gap matrix. Quantum well and quantum dot solar cells have the potential to deliver ultra-high power conversion efficiencies in single junction devices, efficiencies that in theory can approach 45% in un-concentrated sunlight over a wide range of environmental conditions. In this paper, we will briefly review the theoretical underpinnings of quantum well and quantum dot photovoltaic devices, and summarize recent experimental efforts developing quantum-structured solar cell devices. In a specific example, test devices utilizing radiation-hard, III-V nitride materials have been built using both bulk and multiple quantum well (MQW) structures. Photovoltaic devices with an InGaN MQW structure are shown to outperform devices employing a thicker, bulk InGaN layer. These results, along with the underlying theoretical foundations, suggest that quantum well and quantum dot structures can enhance the performance of photovoltaic devices for a variety of defense applications.

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