GaAs Sliver solar cells for linear microconcentrator applications

Katherine Booker, Yahuitl Osorio Mayon, Christopher Jones, Matthew Stocks, Andrew Blakers

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells have shown demonstrated efficiencies of over 29% and are highly regarded in terms of stability, durability and performance. In order to make use of this excellent solar material while reducing inherent material costs, concentration of sunlight can be utilized. A linear microconcentrator has been designed to provide ~7x concentrated sunlight to a narrow, long, GaAs cell, with a large area silicon cell underneath to collect the sub-bandgap light passing through the GaAs as well as any diffuse light that is not focused by the concentrator. This tandem linear microconcentrator module has demonstrated potential for efficiencies > 30%. In order to further optimize the design of the GaAs cell, a technique is being developed based on the Sliver method previously used with silicon. In order to adapt the Sliver process for GaAs applications it is critical to develop a technique for etching high aspect ratio grooves in GaAs. This work details the use of ICP/RIE to etch extremely deep, high aspect ratio grooves in GaAs up to a depth of 120 \mu \mathrm{m} with an aspect ratio of 9. The pathway for developing the etched GaAs into solar cells via ALD deposition of passivating contacts is also discussed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication2020 47th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2020
    PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
    Pages990-992
    Number of pages3
    ISBN (Electronic)9781728161150
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 14 Jun 2020
    Event47th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2020 - Calgary, Canada
    Duration: 15 Jun 202021 Aug 2020

    Publication series

    NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
    Volume2020-June
    ISSN (Print)0160-8371

    Conference

    Conference47th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2020
    Country/TerritoryCanada
    CityCalgary
    Period15/06/2021/08/20

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