Germanium-Silicon Quantum Dots Produced by Pulsed Laser Deposition for Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract:

Quantum dots applied in solar cells will be of great importance to enhance the quantum tunneling efficiency and improve the photogenerated current transport. In this study, a new easy-to-operate technology was developed to fabricate germanium-silicon quantum dots in a SiOx matrix. The quantum dots were formed by first deposited germanium-rich SiO on quartz substrate using pulsed laser deposition technique and then annealed under a comparatively high temperature. We have demonstrated a stable and low-cost fabrication process which is much cheaper than the epitaxy method to provide for the fabrication of high density germanium-silicon quantum dots. Quantum dots with diameters of 3~4 nm embedded in the amorphous SiOx layer were clearly observed. The morphological features of the thin film were characterized. The optical properties were performed by Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectrum and XRD test respectively to verify the crystallization of quantum dots in the SiOx matrix. Reflectance spectrum displayed a high light absorption rate in a spectra region from 300 nm to 1200 nm, evidencing that germanium-silicon quantum dots have promising features to be used as absorber for photovoltaic application.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 383-390)
• Pages: 6270-6276
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.383-390.6270
• Online since: November 2011
• Authors: Li Hao Han, Jing Wang, Ren Rong Liang
• Keywords: Bandgap, Germanium-Silicon, Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD), Quantum Dot (QD), Spectrum Absorption, Third Generation Photovoltaics

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