Quantum tunneling model of a p-n junction in Silvaco

Abstract

The focus of this research is to accurately model the tunnel junction interconnect within a multi-junction photovoltaic cell. A physically based 2-D model was created in Silvaco Inc.'s ATLAS© software to model the quantum tunneling effect that is realized within a multi-junction cell. The tunnel junction interconnect is a critical factor in the design of multi-junction photovoltaics and the successful modeling of the junction will lead to the ability to design more efficient solar cells. The quantum tunneling effect is based on the non-local band-to-band and trap assisted tunneling probability described by the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) method.