CdTe solar cells and photovoltaic heterojunctions in II VI compounds
Abstract
This paper describes the principal features of polycrystalline CdTe solar cells and their method of fabrication. These cells are prepared such that a p-type copper telluride surface film is an integral part of the photovoltaic junction. Some description is also given of single-crystal cells where the junction is fabricated similarly to that of the films. Solar conversion efficiencies up to 6 per cent have been obtained in film cells, and 7 {1}/{2} per cent for single-crystal ones. The junction is interpreted as a heterojunction between p-type copper telluride and n-type cadmium telluride, the transition region extending well into the CdTe side. The copper telluride film plays a minor part in the absorption of radiation for the production of electron-hole pairs. The method of fabrication, experimental results, and present interpretation are compared to that existing for other CdTe and CdS solar cells.
- Publication:
-
Solid State Electronics
- Pub Date:
- June 1963
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0038-1101(63)90078-9
- Bibcode:
- 1963SSEle...6..217C