Effect of short-wavelength radiation on the photoresponse of MIS-IL solar cells (experimental study)

MIS-IL solar cells are potentially low-cost devices, due to their simplicit y and avoidance of the high-temperatures in their fabrication processing. I n addition, inversion-layer (IL) solar cells are demonstrated to have highe r collection efficiencies at short wavelengths. The spectral response of MI S-IL solar cells has been measured in the wavelength range 340-1100 nm. Fro m these measurements, the external and internal quantum efficiencies have b een determined. Also, a comparative study of the quantum efficiencies of in version layer and diffused junction cells has been carried out. The IL cell has a higher collection-efficiency for carriers generated by ultra-violet light than the conventional p-n junction solar cell. These results reveal o ne of the important advantages of IL solar cells, Also, it can be seen that IL solar cells can be improved by surface texturing in a similar way to a conventional diffused solar cells. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.