Title :

–

Characterization of Tunnel Diodes and Multijunction Solar Cells
Author :
Guter, Wolfgang ; Bett, Andreas W.
Author_Institution :
Fraunhofer-Inst. fur Solare Energiesysteme, Freiburg
Abstract :
This paper discusses common difficulties in measuring tunnel diodes and sets a special focus on devices consisting of tunnel diodes and solar cells, such as multijunction solar cells. The resulting theoretical current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of tunnel diodes and solar cells when measured via four-wire techniques are calculated and compared with experimentally measured I-V curves. Solutions to overcome the measurement difficulties are provided, and a method to infer the maximum tunneling current density of tunnel diodes in a device with solar cells is discussed. This paper also describes how the elsewhere-observed ostensible hysteresis with multijunction solar cells is caused by the measurement setup or by large internal series resistances
Keywords :
electric current measurement; semiconductor device measurement; solar cells; tunnel diodes; voltage measurement; I-V curves; current-voltage characteristics; four-wire techniques; internal series resistances; multijunction solar cells; ostensible hysteresis; tunnel diodes; Current density; Current measurement; Density measurement; Electrical resistance measurement; Epitaxial growth; Epitaxial layers; Photovoltaic cells; Semiconductor diodes; Testing; Voltage; Current–voltage (; multijunction solar cell; tunnel diode;
Journal_Title :
Electron Devices, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TED.2006.881051