Photovoltaic solar cell
View Patent ↗A photovoltaic solar cell (SZ) of improved light-to-current conversion properties is provided with nano emitters (NE) of acicular or rib-like form and are separated from each other at a uniform distance D≦√{square root over (2)}L and penetrating to a penetration depth T ≥ d HL - L 2 + w into the semiconductor layer (HL).
1. A photovoltaic solar cell comprising:
an electric solid material contact between a semiconductor layer of layer thickness d HL and a plurality of metal nano emitters each of a space-charge zone of extent w within the semiconductor layer and embedded in an electrically insulating oxide layer applied on the semiconductor layer, wherein minority carriers migrate to the space-charge zone over a diffusion length L;
a transparent conductive layer electrically insulated from the semiconductor layer by the oxide layer; and
front and rear contacts;
wherein the metal nano emitters (NE) form a Schottky contact and are three-dimensionally structured in an acicular or rib-like manner and are separated from each other by a uniform distance D≦√{square root over (2)}L and penetrate into the semiconductor layer to a depth
T
≥
d
HL
-
L
2
+
w
.
2. The photovoltaic solar cell in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the metal nano emitters (NE) in the semiconductor layer (HL) are provided with lateral branches and/or extend obliquely in the semiconductor layer (HL).
3. The photovoltaic solar cell in accordance with claim 1 , wherein a reflective surface is applied to the rear surface of the semiconductor layer (HL) in front of the rear contact (RK).
4. The photovoltaic solar cell in accordance with claim 1 , wherein an antireflective layer is applied to the transparent conductive layer (TCO).