Electronic and hole spectra of layered systems of cylindrical rod arrays: solar cell application

TL;DR

This study calculates the electronic and hole spectra of layered cylindrical GaAs/AlGaAs systems to optimize solar cell efficiency, considering quantum dot height and layer structure effects.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed spectral analysis of layered cylindrical quantum dot arrays for solar cell applications, including the impact of spacer thickness on band structure.

Findings

Optimal quantum dot height for maximum solar efficiency identified.

Band structure analysis of layered cylindrical systems performed.

Potential for improved solar cell design demonstrated.

Abstract

We have computed the electronic and hole spectra of a 3D superlattice consisting of layers of GaAs rods of finite height arranged in a hexagonal lattice and embedded in an AlGaAs matrix, alternating with spacer layers of homogeneous AlAs. The spectra are calculated in the envelope function approximation, with both light-hole and heavy-hole subbands and hole spin degeneracy taken into account. The application of thick spacers allows to investigate the band structure of isolated layers of cylindrical rods. We estimate the ultimate efficiency of solar energy conversion in a solar cell based on an array of cylindrical quantum dots versus the dot height, and determine the optimal value of this parameter.