Photovoltaic Junction Technology

[Jacko]

Hi

I had an idea a while ago, about using a gas-solid junction for PV
cells. The n-type would be cathode ray vaccum. Is there any research
lines on the effective use of secondary emmision instead of crystal
absorbtion of the phonon excess from a photon absorbtion?

The efficiency of cells depends on the bad gap, or gradiated band gap.
What type of focusable surface field pattern would best effect a nice
band gap and good secondary emission. What pumped gas content would
make the best n-layer? Is silicon the best p-substrate?

cheers jacko

[whit3rd]

On Jan 21, 6:59*pm, Jacko <jackokr...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi
>
> I had an idea a while ago, about using a gas-solid junction for PV
> cells. The n-type would be cathode ray vaccum. Is there any research
> lines on the effective use of secondary emmision instead of crystal
> absorbtion of the phonon excess from a photon absorbtion?

The electron emission in this case is Auger emission; it is a
relatively rare process (remember, only the surface layer
of the solid is a candidate; generate a free electron twenty
atoms deep, and it WON'T emit). It generally takes
X-rays or other high energy excitation to make a moderate
current,

The second problem, of course, is the collection of that emitted
charge; why won't it just fall back into the nearby solid electrode?
Remember, it's attached to a heavy gas molecule, which is bumping
around randomly in the vicinity...

[Jacko]

On 25 Jan, 22:55, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Jan 21, 6:59Â*pm, Jacko <jackokr...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Hi
>
> > I had an idea a while ago, about using a gas-solid junction for PV
> > cells. The n-type would be cathode ray vaccum. Is there any research
> > lines on the effective use of secondary emmision instead of crystal
> > absorbtion of the phonon excess from a photon absorbtion?
>
> The electron emission in this case is Auger emission; it is a
> relatively rare process (remember, only the surface layer
> of the solid is a candidate; generate a free electron twenty
> atoms deep, and it WON'T emit). Â*It generally takes
> X-rays or other high energy excitation to make a moderate
> current,
>
> The second problem, of course, is the collection of that emitted
> charge; why won't it just fall back into the nearby solid electrode?
> Remember, it's attached to a heavy gas molecule, which is bumping
> around randomly in the vicinity...

So the p-type substrate takes up the space charge, then the n-type gas
is held at an electro potential. So any photon causing a electron hole
pair emits an electron into the gas, with excess kenetic energy beyond
the band gap. Umm the n-type gas does not necessarily have a band gap
would a micro atomic layer of n-type allow the PV effect, with a
higher p doping ???

Flipping the problem on its head can electron injection effect via n
type substrate with micro atomic p-layer on top with lower doping
facilitate e-injection into the gas??

cheers jacko

[whit3rd]

On Jan 27, 8:52=A0am, Jacko <jackokr...@gmail.com> wrote:

> So the p-type substrate takes up the space charge, then the n-type gas
> is held at an electro potential. So any photon causing a electron hole
> pair emits an electron into the gas, with excess kenetic energy beyond
> the band gap.

Well, no, that photon might emit an electron inside the
solid, BUT there's a solid/void interface with substantial
barrier; the "work function" requires several electron volts
typically to eject an electron from the solid.

As for the "n-type gas", it isn't a conductive item, you know:
the ejected electron (if/when you get one) latches onto the
first gas molecule (making N2 (-)ion, for instance)
and instead of the mass of an electron, you have the
full mass of the ion (four orders of magnitude heavier).
Don't expect much speed in getting that charge into some
kind of collection electrode... if your energy output from this
cell is intended to cause a chemical reaction, that might
work. If it's intended to run electrical equipment, there's a
problem.

Just putting a dye into water makes it absorb light and
engage in chemical activity...

[Jacko]

On 31 Jan, 11:25, whit3rd <whit...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Jan 27, 8:52=A0am, Jacko <jackokr...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > So the p-type substrate takes up the space charge, then the n-type gas
> > is held at an electro potential. So any photon causing a electron hole
> > pair emits an electron into the gas, with excess kenetic energy beyond
> > the band gap.
>
> Well, no, that photon might emit an electron inside the
> solid, BUT there's a solid/void interface with substantial
> barrier; the "work function" requires several electron volts
> typically to eject an electron from the solid.
>
> As for the "n-type gas", it isn't a conductive item, you know:
> the ejected electron (if/when you get one) latches onto the
> first gas molecule (making N2 (-)ion, for instance)
> and instead of the mass of an electron, you have the
> full mass of the ion (four orders of magnitude heavier).
> Don't expect much speed in getting that charge into some
> kind of collection electrode... if your energy output from this
> cell is intended to cause a chemical reaction, that might
> work. If it's intended to run electrical equipment, there's a
> problem.

Phot-injection catalyst? Using ultra low pressure gas (low breakdown
field) and a degenerate n-type substrate and an ultr-thin light p-layer
surface, would not the IV curve be thre forward voltage of the
degenerate tunnel conduction hence > W/area.

Just a thought. Is the reverse leakage the problem with using degenerate
semiconductors?

> Just putting a dye into water makes it absorb light and
> engage in chemical activity...

Phot-lytic cell? Just a thought. Is the reverse leakage the problem with
using degenerate semiconductors?

> Just putting a dye into water makes it absorb light and
> engage in chemical activity...

Phot-lytic cell?