Two-dimensional GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice structures for solar cell applications: ultimate efficiency estimation

摘要

We calculate the band structure of a two-dimensional GaAs/AlGaAs superlatticeand estimate the ultimate efficiency of solar cells using this type ofstructure for solar energy conversion. The superlattice under considerationconsists of gallium arsenide rods forming a square lattice and embedded inaluminium gallium arsenide. The ultimate efficiency is determined versusstructural parameters including the filling fraction, the superlatticeconstant, the rod geometry and the concentration of Al in the matrix material.The calculated efficiency of the superlattice proves to exceed the efficiencyof each component material in the monolithic state in a wide range of parametervalues.