Hydrogenation effects on n/sup +/-p InP solar cells

This study investigates the effects of hydrogenation on the properties of sulfur (S) diffused n/sup +/-p InP solar cells, with a view to improving InP solar cell efficiency. Improvements in homojunction InP solar cell properties by hydrogenation are demonstrated for the first time. Conversion efficiency of an n/sup +/-p InP solar cell (2 cm/sup 2/) with AR coating has been improved from 14.8% to 17.5% at AM0 due to hydrogenation. Deep-level behavior in p-InP caused by hydrogenation is also studied by measuring the carrier concentration and by deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The mechanism of the hydrogen passivation effects in InP is discussed. The reduction in carrier concentration in the near-surface layer is due to the formation of an acceptor-hydrogen complex.<
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