How to Measure and Calculate Band Gap of a Photovoltaic Device

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on measuring and calculating the band gap of a photovoltaic device at temperatures of 300 K and 0 K. The key method involves illuminating the photovoltaic cell with monochromatic light to determine the point at which it generates current, using the formula Energy in eV = 1239.84 / λ nm to relate photon wavelength to band gap voltage. An alternative approach suggested is to utilize black-body spectral distribution and temperature data to model the diode response, although this requires a robust experimental setup. The conversation also highlights the practicality of contacting the manufacturer for guidance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photovoltaic cell operation and characteristics
  • Familiarity with black-body radiation concepts
  • Knowledge of temperature measurement techniques
  • Basic principles of diode behavior in photovoltaic applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for measuring band gap voltage in photovoltaic cells
  • Learn about black-body radiation and its application in photovoltaic testing
  • Explore temperature-dependent current response in diodes
  • Investigate experimental setups for accurate photovoltaic measurements
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Researchers, engineers, and students involved in photovoltaic technology, particularly those interested in band gap measurement and thermal effects on solar cells.

tornado
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Hi there!

I bought a photovoltaic cell. I would like to learn its band gap at 300 K and 0 K. How can i measure band gap or calculate? I have already measured Temperature to Vmax values.

I couldn't find any good information about this topic.

Thanks.
 
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Thank you so much! But i can't find a monochromatic light. Is there any different option? I tested this device with temperature. Its like a thermophotovoltaic.
 
tornado said:
Thank you so much! But i can't find a monochromatic light. Is there any different option? I tested this device with temperature. Its like a thermophotovoltaic.
Interesting, the first time I ever heard of these things.

It seems you can assume a black-body spectral distribution from the source. As the temperature is increased there will be an output current that should be the product of the two transfer functions; blackbody radiation times diode spectral response. With enough temperature data points I would think you could do something like a correlation calculation to model the diode response required to match the data. As the temperature is increased, you should see a current increase that is more rapid than the blackbody distribution could explain, this would be from the diode "turning on". However, you would need a good experimental setup and some modelling assumptions, and then you still might get a pretty sloppy result.

How about just calling the manufacturer and asking?
 

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