Theoretical simulation and design of AlSb thin films solar cells.

The effects of thickness, doping concentration and recombination of AlSb films on the performance of CdS/AlSb cells are simulated by one dimensional simulation program called analysis of microelectronic and photonic structures(AMPS1D) soft ware to understand the influence of material characteristic (such as carrier concentration and thickness) on the solar cells. The methods to improve the performance of CdS/AlSb cells by optimizing the properties of AlSb have been found. The results show that the thicker AlSb film can improve the long wave response for the higher short-circuit current density (Jsc ) of CdS/AlSb solar cells and the higher carrier concentration of the film can improve open-circuit voltage (Voc ) and fill factor (FF), and its optical thickness for CdS/AlSb solar cells is in the range of 500nm~2000nm. The conversion efficiency can be improved from 10.6% to15.3% for introducing AlSb:Te, AlSb:Cu and ZnTe:Cu thin films to CdS/ AlSb structure. Furthermore, the thicker AlSb:Te film can improve the short wave response for the higher Jsc of the cells, and its optical thickness CdS/AlSb:Te/AlSb/ZnTe:Cu solar cells is in the range of 100nm~200nm. And the lower doping concentration can promote Voc and FF to improve the characteristic of the cells.