Photovoltaic Principle and Operation

A photovoltaic cell is basically a semiconductor diode consisting of a junction similar to the junction of a transistor. An electrical potential is formed by n-type doping on one side and p-type on the other. Under the impact of light (photons), such as in sunlight, electrons move from the p side, across the junction to the n side, and, through electrical contacts, can be drawn as a usable current (Fig. 15.4). 

The thickness of a photovoltaic cell is chosen on the basis of its ability to absorb sunlight, which in turn depends on the bandgap and absorption coefficient of the semiconductor. For instance, 5 nm of crystalline silicon are required to absorb the same amount of sunlight as 0.1 nm of amorphous silicon and 0.01 nm of copper-indium diselenide. Only MBE and MOCVD are capable of producing such extremely thin films.i l 

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