Refractive indices of layers and optical simulations of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

Abstract

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 -based solar cells have reached efficiencies close to 23%. Further knowledge-driven improvements require accurate determination of the material properties. Here, we present refractive indices for all layers in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with high efficiency. The optical bandgap of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 does not depend on the Cu content in the explored composition range, while the absorption coefficient value is primarily determined by the Cu content. An expression for the absorption spectrum is proposed, with Ga and Cu compositions as parameters. This set of parameters allows accurate device simulations to understand remaining absorption and carrier collection losses and develop strategies to improve performances.

Keywords

• Cu(In,Ga)Se2
• refractive index
• optical simulations
• thin films
• solar cells
• absorption losses
• carrier collection losses
• optical losses