Photon extraction: the key physics for approaching solar cell efficiency limits

Owen D. Miller; Eli Yablonovitch

doi:10.1117/12.2024592

11 September 2013 Photon extraction: the key physics for approaching solar cell efficiency limits

Owen D. Miller, Eli Yablonovitch

Proceedings Volume 8808, Active Photonic Materials V; 880807 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024592
Event: SPIE NanoScience + Engineering, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Theoretical efficiency limits are useful primarily because they provide a means for selecting which technologies to pursue, and they are a driving force for further progress. Yet implicit in such a process is the assumption that the upper limit provides a realistic estimate of potential performance. Real systems will never be perfect, but small deviations in material quality or optical design should yield only small deviations in performance. Shockley-Queisser efficiencies are not robust to small deviations. Although they provide a simple calculational tool, they obscure important internal dynamics. We examine these dynamics, resulting in a surprising conclusion: instead of considering external emission as a loss mechanism, it should actually be designed for. A solar cell must have almost perfect photon extraction, or it will fall far short of the Shockley-Queisser efficiency limit.

Citation Download Citation

Owen D. Miller and Eli Yablonovitch "Photon extraction: the key physics for approaching solar cell efficiency limits", Proc. SPIE 8808, Active Photonic Materials V, 880807 (11 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024592

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