A NEW FORM OF SOLID STATE SOLAR GENERATOR
Abstract
An investigation was made of variable voltage photovoltaic converters for a new form of solid state solar generator. Valuable information related to the origin of the photoconducting electrons in the photovoltaic effect in CdS was obtained. This information is pertinent to the design and construction of metal-semiconductor solar cells, in that both the photovoltage and the efficiency of metal-semiconductor cells is dependent upon whether electrons are injected from the metal or excited across the forbidden gap of the semiconductor. The effects of geometry, film thickness of rectifying electrode, and resistivity of CdS upon the photovoltage obtainable were also studied. The origin of the electrons producing the photocurrent was determined and a geometry for optimizing the photocurrent is given. Cells designed by evaporating contacts connected in series are shown to give an additive photovoltage. Suggestions for improving the efficiency are given in the light of experimental evidence. While batteries producing 9v were not successfully constructed due to experimental difficulties, the evidence obtained verifies the feasibility of the basic design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0273974
Entities
People
- E. D. Fabricius