Efficiency of InN/InGaN/GaN Intermediate-Band Solar Cell under the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure, In-Compositions, Built-in-Electric Field, Confinement, and Thickness.

This paper presents a thorough numerical investigation focused on optimizing the efficiency of quantum-well intermediate-band solar cells (QW-IBSCs) based on III-nitride materials. The optimization strategy encompasses manipulating confinement potential energy, controlling hydrostatic pressure, adjusting compositions, and varying thickness. The built-in electric fields in (In, Ga)N alloys and heavy-hole levels are considered to enhance the results' accuracy. The finite element method (FEM) and Python 3.8 are employed to numerically solve the Schrödinger equation within the effective mass theory framework. This study reveals that meticulous design can achieve a theoretical photovoltaic efficiency of quantum-well intermediate-band solar cells (QW-IBSCs) that surpasses the Shockley-Queisser limit. Moreover, reducing the thickness of the layers enhances the light-absorbing capacity and, therefore, contributes to efficiency improvement. Additionally, the shape of the confinement potential significantly influences the device's performance. This work is critical for society, as it represents a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions, holding the promise of enhancing both the efficiency and accessibility of solar power generation. Consequently, this research stands at the forefront of innovation, offering a tangible and impactful contribution toward a greener and more sustainable energy future.

Linear and nonlinear optical absorption coefficients in InGaN/GaN quantum wells: Interplay between intense laser field and higher-order anharmonic potentials.

This computational investigation delves into the electronic and optical attributes of InGaN/GaN nanostructures subjected to both harmonic and anharmonic confinement potentials, coupled with the influence of a nonresonant intense laser field (ILF). The theoretical framework incorporates higher-order anharmonic terms, specifically quartic and sextic terms. The solutions to the Schrödinger equation have been computed employing the finite element method and the effective mass theory. Moreover, linear and third-order nonlinear optical absorption coefficients are derived via a density matrix expansion. Our analysis reveals the feasibility of manipulating electronic and optical properties by adjusting confinement potential parameters, system attributes, and laser field intensity. In addition, the ILF induces remarkable modifications, characterized by reduced resonance peak amplitudes and a blue shift in absorption coefficients. Intriguingly, regardless of potential harmonicity, the impact of incident electromagnetic intensity is notably more pronounced in the absence of the ILF. These findings hold significant promise for advancing theoretical predictions, providing valuable insights into the intricate interplay between confinement potentials, laser fields, and their effects on electronic and optical behaviors within nanostructures.

High-Energy Radiation Effects on Silicon NPN Bipolar Transistor Electrical Performance: A Study with 1 MeV Proton Irradiation.

This study investigates the degradation of the silicon NPN transistor's emitter-base junction, specifically the 2N2219A model, under both forward and reverse polarization. We examine the current-voltage characteristics under the influence of 1 MeV proton irradiation at various fluencies, which are 5.3×108,5.3×1010,5×1011,5×1012, and 5×1013 protons/cm², all conducted at 307 K. The experimental findings elucidate a pronounced dependency of diode parameters, including the reverse saturation current, series resistance, and the non-idealist factor, on the incident proton flow. This observation underscores that proton-induced degradation is primarily driven by displacement damage, while recorded degradation is predominantly attributed to the generation of defects and interfacial traps within the transistor resulting from exposure to high-energy radiation. Our findings indicate that the effects of irradiation align more closely with the compensation phenomenon in doping rather than its reinforcement.

Enhancing Emission via Radiative Lifetime Manipulation in Ultrathin InGaN/GaN Quantum Wells: The Effects of Simultaneous Electric and Magnetic Fields, Thickness, and Impurity.

Ultra-thin quantum wells, with their unique charge confinement effects, are essential in enhancing the electronic and optical properties crucial for optoelectronic device optimization. This study focuses on theoretical investigations into radiative recombination lifetimes in nanostructures, specifically addressing both intra-subband (ISB: e-e) and band-to-band (BTB: e-hh) transitions within InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs). Our research unveils that the radiative lifetimes in ISB and BTB transitions are significantly influenced by external excitation, particularly in thin-layered QWs with strong confinement effects. In the case of ISB transitions (e-e), the recombination lifetimes span a range from 0.1 to 4.7 ns, indicating relatively longer durations. On the other hand, BTB transitions (e-hh) exhibit quicker lifetimes, falling within the range of 0.01 to 1 ns, indicating comparatively faster recombination processes. However, it is crucial to note that the thickness of the quantum well layer exerts a substantial influence on the radiative lifetime, whereas the presence of impurities has a comparatively minor impact on these recombination lifetimes. This research advances our understanding of transition lifetimes in quantum well systems, promising enhancements across optoelectronic applications, including laser diodes and advanced technologies in detection, sensing, and telecommunications.