@inproceedings{63777d4e2bf7497997d4a9d397654d21,
title = "Theoretical analysis for intermediate band and tandem hybrid solar cell materials",
abstract = "The efficiency limit of an intermediate band (IB) solar cell can be increased by a {"}tandem{"} configuration of multiple intermediate band devices. Thermodynamic models show that the efficiency of a two-stack tandem of IB devices achieves the efficiency of a six junction series connected solar cell. The efficiency of an IB in conjunction with a single or double stack tandem has similar efficiency advantages. Further, analysis of the materials which can be used to implement IB solar cells in a tandem configuration shows advantages relating to the ability to implement IB materials with quantum wells or quantum dots. For a single IB solar cell, a key difficulty is identifying materials for the barrier and the quantum well which have a small valence band offset and large conduction band offset (or the reverse). The use of an IB solar cell as the bottom solar cell of a tandem allows a larger range of materials with suitable barrier band gaps and a smaller ideal conduction band offset. A further theoretical advantage of such a structure is that it avoids the extremely low open circuit voltages achieved from pn junctions in low bandgap materials; for example, the thermodynamic optimum for a 6 junction tandem solar cell has its lowest bandgap below 0.4 eV. We present a thermodynamic model for IB hybrid tandem configurations which does not assume spectral selectivity among the different solar cells and predicts that a barrier/quantum dot structure can have an efficiency as high as 60 to 70 percent at 1X blackbody radiation.",
keywords = "intermediate band, material, tandem, thermodynamic limit",
author = "Jongwon Lee and Dahal, {Som N.} and Christiana Honsberg",
year = "2012",
month = nov,
day = "26",
doi = "10.1109/PVSC.2012.6317570",
language = "English (US)",
isbn = "9781467300643",
series = "Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference",
pages = "68--72",
booktitle = "Program - 38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012",
note = "38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012 ; Conference date: 03-06-2012 Through 08-06-2012",
}