Modelling of Intrinsic Loss Processes in the Intermediate Band Solar Cells

Abstract

Abstract For the first time, the formalism of intrinsic loss processes such as below-band gap, thermalisation, angle mismatch, Carnot and emission loss in the intermediate band solar cells (SCs) is obtained by a theoretical framework based on the principle of detailed balance approach, and with the physical origins of losses discussed in terms of photon absorption and emission in the presence of intermediate energy band (IB). Then, the effect of IB position on each intrinsic loss in the intermediate band SCs is investigated. The results show that the introduction of IB reduces the below-band gap loss due to absorption of low energy photons by narrower sub-band gap and reduces the thermalisation loss due to absorption of high energy photons by the band gap of host semiconductor. Furthermore, the thermalisation and angle mismatch losses are dominant fractions of intrinsic loss, while the emission loss presents less than 2.2 % of intrinsic loss.