Increased radiation absorption in thermophotovoltaic quantum cascade structures

Abstract

We propose quantum cascade thermophotovoltaic structures based on intersubband transition for efficient energy conversion using GaN/AIN material system. Four designed structures combinedly absorb a broad range of blackbody spectrum from 1300 K to 2000 K, including higher energy portion of the blackbody radiation. Optimized design of relaxation path ensures efficient collection of photoexcited carriers at the device terminals, and hence, greater current density and improved device efficiency.