Skip to main content

NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Investigating Sub-bandgap Spectral Effects in GaInP-on-Ge Solar Cells

Published

Author(s)

Brianna Conrad, Behrang Hamadani

Abstract

There is a fundamental understanding in photovoltaics that sub-bandgap light will not be absorbed in the solar cell and therefore will not affect the power generation. We have shown a novel phenomenon in which sub-bandgap illumination is required for good electrical performance in III-V solar cells on heterosubstrates. We investigate this effect in GaInP cells on Ge substrates with current-voltage measurements under varying spectra and irradiances. This has implications for device characterization, the development of solar cells both on heterosubstrates and for conditions lacking long-wavelength light, and the prediction of device performance under spectra that differ from the test conditions.
Proceedings Title
48th IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference (PVSC)
Conference Dates
June 20-25, 2021
Conference Location
Virtual, MD, US

Keywords

III-V and Concentrator PV, Characterization of PV, Circuit analysis, Photovoltaic cells

Citation

Conrad, B. and Hamadani, B. (2021), Investigating Sub-bandgap Spectral Effects in GaInP-on-Ge Solar Cells, 48th IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference (PVSC), Virtual, MD, US, [online], https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC43889.2021.9518844, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=932528 (Accessed October 8, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created August 26, 2021, Updated February 28, 2024
Was this page helpful?