Quantum well solar cells

In this paper we discuss the potential advantages of quantum wells (QWs) for enhancing solar cell efficiency. We present recent experimental results which show that the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the quantum well solar cell (QWSC) is enhanced over that of comparable conventional cells formed from the well material, by more than the change in the absorption edge. We also report on theoretical and experimental studies which seek to determine the quasi-Fermi level separation in quantum wells inside a p-i-n system in order to understand the voltage behaviour of QWSCs and to be able to estimate the efficiency enhancements which may be achieved in the radiative limit. We discuss QWSCs in the InPInGaAs lattice matched system and present results which show that QWSCs in this deep well system have a better variation of efficiency with temperature than conventional cells made from either the well or barrier material. This is important for applications involving concentrated sunlight. We also consider the advantages of quantum well cells in the area of thermophotovoltaics (TPV).