Open AccessImprovement of conversion efficiency for multi-junction solar cells by incorporation of Au nanoclusters
Author(s) -
Miin-Shen Yang,
Y. K. Liu,
Ji Lin Shen,
ChengHsien Wu,
Cheng-An J. Lin,
Walter Chang,
H. H. Wang,
HungI Yeh,
W. H. Chan,
W. J. Parak
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.015754
Subject(s) - nanoclusters , materials science , photoluminescence , optoelectronics , energy conversion efficiency , photovoltaic system , solar cell , scattering , solar cell efficiency , optics , nanotechnology , physics , ecology , biology
We studied the photoluminescence (PL) and photovoltaic current-voltage characteristics of the three-junction InGaP/InGaAs/Ge solar cells by depositing Au nanoclusters on the cell surface. The increases of the PL intensity and short-circuit current after incorporation of Au nanoclusters are evident. An increase of 15.3% in energy conversion efficiency (from 19.6 to 22.6%) is obtained for the three-junction solar cells in which Au nanoclusters have been incorporated. We suggest that the increased light trapping due to radiative scattering from Au nanoclusters is responsible for improving the performance of the three-junction solar cells.