Field-effect ferroelectric-semiconductor solar cells

Traditional photovoltaic devices employ limited semiconductor materials largely due to the P-N junction structure. We have developed a new kind of field-effect ferroelectric semiconductor solar cells. Prototype cells have been demonstrated successfully. Substantial photovoltaic effect and rectifying behavior were experimentally observed. In addition, simulation study was conducted to indicate that the induced electric field due to the bound surface changes of the ferroelectric could be extended into the semiconductor. The simulation results are consistent with experimental observations. This unique device structure offers a promising alternative to achieve novel solar cells. The new cells are not P-N junction based, and in principle offer more flexibility in materials selection and optimizing charge generation, separation and collection for achieving high performance solar cells.