A novel approach to modeling tunnel junction diodes using Silvaco Atlas software

Abstract

This thesis investigates the ability to model a tunnel junction device using the ATLAS device simulator by Silvaco International. The tunnel junction is a critical component of a multijunction solar cell. This thesis will concentrate on simulating the tunnel junction for application as part of a multijunction solar cell. It will try several methods, in ATLAS device simulator, to produce a model of the tunnel junction that can later be used while designing multijunction devices. These methods will consist of the review of past work, attempting to modify past work to be applied in the current design, producing a new tunnel junction simulation from the ground-up, and review of the simulations of similar devices to learn if they can be modified and applied to making a working tunnel junction model.