New Analysis of Suns-VOC and VOC(T): A Simple Method to Quantify Recombination Channels in Solar Cells

Analyzing regions of dominant recombination in a solar cell is crucial to guide process modifications and device improvements that improve efficiency. Common characterizations such as dark and light current-voltage and quantum efficiency provide only qualitative insights into the distribution of recombination in a solar cell, especially when the cell contains a heterojunction emitter. The open-circuit voltage (Yoò is ^a sensitive indicator of recombination since generation equals recombination at that bias. We leverage the light and temperature dependence of V_oc to quantify recombination in the space-charge (SCR), quasi-neutral (QNR) and junction-inter face regions of heterojunction solar cell. By combining the operating conditions and recombination parameters into a common equation for V_oc, we enable the separation of recombination in different regions of the cell and provide a meaningful interpretation of previously known variables.