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CNT-based enhanced GaAs/InAs multiple quantum well solar cell

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Abstract

This work presents the optimized model and results of numerical simulations and analysis of CNT-based GaAs/InAs multiple quantum wells (from 5 to 70 QWs) GaAs solar cell. These QWs are found to extend the absorption edge beyond that of the GaAs band gap. Further, with the introduction of the wide band gap InGaP back surface field (BSF) layer in the model, efficiency is enhanced due to the reflection of unabsorbed photons from the bottom of the device back into the quantum well. The proposed model uses a heterogeneous CNT layer as top semi-transparent electrode. It is observed that this CNT top layer with lower sheet resistance and better light transmission can significantly improve the overall efficiency. Our optimized cell with 35 number 25 nm quantum well structure with 100 nm CNT top layer with sheet resistance of 128 Ω/□ is found to increase the efficiency up to 34.12% (with CNT top layer) from 32.46%(without CNT top layer). EQE of the cell is nearly 90%. To show the accuracy of our findings, the key phases of the numerical modeling are presented, and the base simulation data are checked using standard experimental data. An essential step toward creating commercially viable QWSCs is the effective application of the suggested CNT-based QWSC model within a modern TCAD tool environment (Silvaco ATLAS).

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The completion of this work would not have been possible without the support from Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, Manipur Institute of Technology, Imphal, India.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology-Mizoram, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796012, India

    Dickson Warepam & Rudra Sankar Dhar

  2. Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Manipur Institute of Technology, Imphal, 795004, India

    Khomdram Jolson Singh

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  1. Dickson Warepam
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  3. Rudra Sankar Dhar
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Contributions

D.W., K.J.S. and R.S.D. conducted the experiment, design, material preparation, data analysis, and prepared most of the figures and tables. K.J.S. and R.S.D. are joint Supervisor of D.W. D.W initiated the research and study. D.W and K.J.S contributed to the numerical modeling and developing the novel idea of the work and formulation of simulation code. R.S.D contributes toward the improvements in the manuscript. All the authors discussed the results and contributed to the manuscript at various stages. K.J.S. is the corresponding author. All authors have proofread and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Khomdram Jolson Singh.

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Warepam, D., Singh, K.J. & Dhar, R.S. CNT-based enhanced GaAs/InAs multiple quantum well solar cell. J Comput Electron (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10825-024-02138-9

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