Review of CdTe1?xSex Thin Films in Solar Cell Applications

摘要

Recent improvements in CdTe thin film solar cells have been achieved by using CdTe1?xSex as a part of the absorber layer. This review summarizes the published literature concerning the material properties of CdTe1?xSex and its application in current thin film CdTe photovoltaics. One of the important properties of CdTe1?xSex is its band gap bowing, which facilitates a lowering of the CdTe band gap towards the optimum band gap for highest theoretical efficiency. In practice, a CdTe1?xSex gradient is introduced to the front of CdTe, which induces a band gap gradient and allows for the fabrication of solar cells with enhanced short-circuit current while maintaining a high open-circuit voltage. In some device structures, the addition of CdTe1?xSex also allows for a reduction in CdS thickness or its complete elimination, reducing parasitic absorption of low wavelength photons.