Performance of antireflecting coating-AlGaAs window layer coupling for terrestrial concentrator GaAs solar cells

In this paper, we present the performance of optical coating systems coupled with AlGaAs window layers over GaAs solar cells. Single, double, and triple antireflecting coatings and window layers with constant and graded aluminum content are considered. Comparison between constant and graded window layers is established. To better represent reality, practical factors such as absorption of materials even for antireflecting coatings and the oxidation at window layer surface due to its high aluminum content are also included in the calculations. The design criteria to determine the optimum thickness of each layer is the achievement of maximum photogenerated current density. For this purpose and to account for terrestrial concentrator GaAs solar cells, the inclusion of direct terrestrial solar spectrum together with the internal spectral response of the device are taken into account. Finally, the best antireflecting coating/AlGaAs window layer couplings for different cases are presented.