An improved algorithm for solving equations for intra-band tunneling current in heterojunction solar cells

Yiming Liu, Yun Sun, Angus Rockett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Numerical simulation of heterojunction solar cells is a useful approach to investigate the inner physics of the devices, and can be implemented by simulation tools today. An intra-band tunneling model has been described previously and applied to some heterojunction devices. However, the commonly used algorithm for solving the associated equations, the Gummel method, fails in the case of high recombination rates such as in amorphous Si solar cells. In this work, we present an improved algorithm that enhances convermicmgence when solving for intra-band tunneling in heterojunction solar cells with high defect state densities. The algorithm uses a sequential application of the Gummel and Newton methods tailored for optimal stability and convergence. As an example, simulation results for a heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer solar cell are discussed. The improved algorithm and related simulations in this work are implemented through a program we have developed, wxAMPS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4947-4950
Number of pages4
JournalThin Solid Films
Volume520
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - May 31 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Device modeling
  • Hetero-junction solar cells
  • Numerical simulation
  • Tunneling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Surfaces and Interfaces

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