Non-Linear Luminescent Coupling in Series-Connected Multijunction Solar Cells

Steiner, Myles A.; Geisz, John F.

doi:10.1063/1.4729827

Non-Linear Luminescent Coupling in Series-Connected Multijunction Solar Cells

Journal Article · Mon Jun 18 04:00:00 EDT 2012 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4729827· OSTI ID:1045731

Steiner, Myles A.; Geisz, John F.

The assumption of superposition or linearity of photocurrent with solar flux is widespread for calculations and measurements of solar cells. The well-known effect of luminescent coupling in multijunction solar cells has also been assumed to be linear with excess current. Here we show significant non-linearities in luminescent coupling in III-V multijunction solar cells and propose a simple model based on competition between radiative and nonradiative processes in the luminescent junction to explain these non-linearities. We demonstrate a technique for accurately measuring the junction photocurrents under a specified reference spectrum, that accounts for and quantifies luminescent coupling effects.

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)

DOE Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1045731

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA-5200-54916

Journal Information:: Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 25 Vol. 100; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Non-Linear Luminescent Coupling in Series-Connected Multijunction Solar Cells

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