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Nanoscale optimization of quantum dot media for effective photovoltaic conversion

  • K. A. Sablon
  • , A. Sergeev
  • , J. W. Little
  • , N. Vagidov
  • , V. Mitin
  • U.S. Army Research Laboratory
  • SUNY Buffalo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nanoscale engineering of band profile and potential profile provide effective tools for the management of photoelectron processes in quantum dot (QD) photovoltaic devices. We investigate the QD devices with various 1-μm InAs /GaAs QD media placed in a 3-μm base GaAs p-n junction. We found that n-charging of quantum dots (QDs) create potential barriers around QDs. QD growth between ultrathin AlGaAs layers leads to the formation of AlGaAs "fence" barriers, and reduces the wetting layers (WLs). The barriers around QDs and reduction of the wetting layer substantially suppress recombination processes via QDs. The n-doping of interdot space in QD media enhances electron extraction from QDs. All of our QD devices show short-circuit current, JSC, higher than that of the reference cell, but smaller open-circuit voltage, VOC. In the QD devices, the short circuit currents increase by °0.1 mA/cm2 per dot layer. JSC reaches 28.4 mA/cm2 in the device with QD media that combines dot charging, fence barriers, and WL reduction.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMicro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VI
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Print)9781628410204
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
EventMicro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VI - Baltimore, MD, United States
Duration: May 5 2014May 9 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9083
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceMicro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VI
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore, MD
Period05/5/1405/9/14

Keywords

  • Carrier capture
  • Photovoltaic
  • Quantum dots
  • Wetting layer

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