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Increased efficiencies on CdTe solar cells via luminescence down-shifting with excitation energy transfer between dyes

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
  • L. Danos
  • T. Parel
  • T. Markvart
  • V. Barrioz
  • W. S. M. Brooks
  • S. J. C. Irvine
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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>03/2012
<mark>Journal</mark>Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Volume98
Number of pages5
Pages (from-to)486-490
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

The external quantum efficiencies of CdTe solar cells fabricated by the atmospheric pressure metal organic chemical vapour deposition (AP-MOCVD) method have been measured with one and two dye doped luminescence down-shifting (LDS) layers on top. Excitation energy transfer between the dyes is used to extend the absorption ability of the LDS layer to lambda=350 nm and increase the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the cells for wavelengths lambda <540 nm. The observed increase in the EQE corresponds to a rise in the short circuit current density of 1.88 mA/cm(2) under AM1.5G illumination spectra, which is equivalent to a 10% relative solar cell efficiency increase. A simple model is presented, which accounts for the absorption and photon collection efficiencies of the LDS layer. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.