Diagnosis of GaInAs/GaAsP Multiple Quantum Well Solar Cells With Bragg Reflectors via Absolute Electroluminescence

Abstract

By using absolute electroluminescence measurement, we characterized current-dependent external radiative efficiency of GaInAs/GaAsP multiple quantum well (MQW) single-junction solar cells with and without a back distributed Bragg reflector (DBR). Internal radiative efficiency (eta(int)) under illuminated condition was quantified for analyzing their difference in photovoltaic performances. It was revealed that MQWs showed an advantage of improved eta(int) compared with a bulk layer, and that a back DBR indeed improved conversion efficiency via double-pass absorption of sun light, but improvement via reduction of rear radiative emission loss toward substrate was small. Efficiency add-on via improved material quality, or eta(int), in the same structures was predicted.