InGaP/GaAs Dual-Junction Solar Cell with AlGaAs/GaAs Tunnel Diode Grown on 10 degrees off Misoriented GaAs Substrate

Abstract

InGaP/GaAs dual-junction solar cells with different tunnel diodes (TDs) grown on misoriented GaAs substrates are investigated. It is demonstrated that the solar cells with P++-AlGaAs/N++-GaAs TDs grown on 10 degrees off GaAs substrates not only show a higher external quantum efficiency (EQE) but also generate a higher peak current density (J(peak)) at higher concentration ratios (185 x) than the solar cells with P++-GaAs/N++-InGaP TDs grown on 6 degrees off GaAs substrates. Furthermore, the cell design with P++-AlGaAs/N++-GaAs TDs grown on 10 degrees off GaAs substrates does not generate a disordered InGaP epitaxial layer during material growth, and thus shows superior current-voltage characteristics. (c) 2012 The Japan Society of Applied Physics