Analysis and Optimization of Organic Tandem Solar Cells by Full Opto-Electronic Simulation

Aeberhard U, Schiller A, Masson Y, Zeder SJ, Blülle B and Ruhstaller B (2022) Front. Photonics 3:891565. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphot.2022.891565

This research paper details the analysis and optimisation of high-efficiency organic tandem solar cells using full opto-electronic device simulation. The researchers employed a hopping model to describe charge recombination and optimised key electrical parameters (mobility, lifetime, hopping rate) alongside optical parameters. A significant improvement in power conversion efficiency (2% absolute) was achieved through full opto-electronic optimisation compared to optical optimisation alone. The study also examines the impact of junction quality and charge transfer rate on device performance, validating the simulation approach through detailed analysis of experimental data. Finally, the researchers present a method for accurately determining the external quantum efficiency of tandem devices.

Fluxim's Setfos software was used to perform opto-electronic simulations of organic tandem solar cells. It models charge transport, interface hopping, and light propagation. It was used for numerical optimisation, EQE analysis, and material parameter extraction. It also enabled assessment of internal voltages.