Analysis Of Gaas Photovoltaic Device Losses At High Mocvd Growth Rates

Gallium arsenide material has been deposited via metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at growth rates varying between 14 mu m/hr and 56 mu m/hr. Photovoltaic device results indicate a 6-7% relative decrease in efficiency between 14 and 56 mu m/hr GaAs solar cells, due to a reduction in short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage. By simulating the experimental characterization data, it is established that performance losses are associated with rear surface recombination velocity and Shockley-Read-Hall lifetime. The relative impact of these loss mechanisms will be quantified and conclude with discussions on their mitigation.