Solar cells

The present work is a general reference source in the field of photovoltaics, with special emphasis on heterojunction and Schottky barrier cells, thin film devices, and polycrystalline devices. An introductory description of solar cells is given along with most important material and device parameters. Featured topics include the process of photocurrent generation and the spectral response; the electrical behavior of a solar cell in the dark; the efficiencies of Si, GaAs, and CdS solar cells under various conditions; the effects of thickness on solar cell behavior; and the effects of grain boundaries in polycrystalline films. An introduction is presented to Schottky barrier, heterojunction, vertical multijunction, and grating solar cells. Radiation effects on cells exposed to the space environment are discussed, and device behavior under various temperature and intensity environments is described. Also discussed is solar cell technology, including crystal growth, diffusion, ion implantation, antireflective coatings, and ohmic contacts.