Application of the photoreflectance technique to the characterization of quantum dot intermediate band materials for solar cells

Intermediate band materials rely on the creation of a new electronic band within the bandgap of a conventional semiconductor that is isolated from the conduction and valence band by a true zero density of states. Due to the presence of the intermediate band, a solar cell manufactured using these materials is capable of producing additional photocurrent, thanks to the absorption of photons with energy lower than the conventional bandgap. In this respect, the characterization of these materials by suitable techniques becomes a key element in the development of the new photovoltaic devices called intermediate band solar cells. The technique of photoreflectance is particularly suited to this purpose because it is contact-less and allows the characterization of the material without the need of actually manufacturing a complete device. Using room temperature photoreflectance we have analyzed intermediate band materials based on quantum dots and have been able to identify the energy levels involved. Also, from the photoreflectance data we have demonstrated the overlap of the wave-functions defined by the quantum dots. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.