Application of V-groove technology to InP solar cells

Abstract

InP solar cells with a V-grooved front surface were fabricated and tested. The cells were made by the closed-ampoule thermal diffusion of sulfur into Zn-doped InP substrates on which the grooves were formed by a wet-chemical anisotropic etch. Reflectivity measurements show significantly lower reflectance for the microgrooved cell compared to a planar wafer. Cell short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, efficiency, and quantum efficiency as a function of wavelength were measured. Compared to planar cells, the V-grooved cells showed increased short circuit current over the entire spectral range, with a slight decrease in voltage.<>