Challenges, myths, and opportunities in hot carrier solar cells
D. K. Ferry, Stephen M. Goodnick, Vincent R. Whiteside, Ian R. Sellers
Abstract
Hot carrier solar cells hold the promise of efficiency significantly greater than that predicted by the Shockley–Queisser limit. Consequently, there has been considerable effort to create cells that achieve this goal, but so far, this has not been realized. There are many reasons for this. Here, the principles of the concept will be discussed along with some myths that hinder the future development of such devices. Also, a new approach to the hot carrier solar cell is described along with some recent experimental results that support such an approach.
Topics & Concepts
Limit (mathematics)Solar cellEngineering physicsCarrier lifetimeMaterials scienceComputer scienceNanotechnologyOptoelectronicsEngineeringSiliconMathematicsMathematical analysissolar cell performance optimizationSemiconductor Quantum Structures and DevicesChalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films