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Theoretical Background

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Spatially Resolved Characterization in Thin-Film Photovoltaics

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Electrical and Computer Engineering ((BRIEFSELECTRIC))

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Abstract

The theoretical background on photovoltaic (PV) device operation is reviewed. The principle of light absorption in direct and indirect semiconductors, and the use of a p–n and p–i–n devices are explained. Basic performance parameters and one-diode model parameters of solar cells are introduced and explained together with intrinsic and extrinsic loss mechanisms. Extrinsic losses originating from the spatial dimensions of the devices are systematically presented. General recombination processes are reviewed with an emphasis on radiative recombinations, which are the source of luminescence. A distinction is made between a photo- and electroluminescence image based on the type of luminescence excitation. Finally, a summary of the reciprocity relation between PV quantum efficiency and electroluminescence is given.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Matevž Bokalič & Marko Topič

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  1. Matevž Bokalič
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  2. Marko Topič
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Correspondence to Matevž Bokalič .

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Bokalič, M., Topič, M. (2015). Theoretical Background. In: Spatially Resolved Characterization in Thin-Film Photovoltaics. SpringerBriefs in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14651-5_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14651-5_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-14650-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-14651-5

  • eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)

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