This study presents a theoretical investigation into the photovoltaic efficiency of InGaN/GaN quantum well-based intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs) under the simultaneous influence of electric and magnetic fields. The finite element method is employed to numerically solve the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation within the framework of the effective-mass approximation. Our findings reveal that electric and magnetic fields significantly influence the energy levels of electrons and holes, optical transition energies, open-circuit voltages, short-circuit currents, and overall photovoltaic conversion performances of IBSCs. Furthermore, this research indicates that applying a magnetic field positively influences conversion efficiency. Through the optimization of IBSC parameters, an efficiency of approximately 50% is achievable, surpassing the conventional Shockley–Queisser limit. This theoretical study demonstrates the potential for next-generation photovoltaic technology advancements.
Ultra-thin quantum wells, with their unique charge confinement effects, are essential in enhancing the electronic and optical properties crucial for optoelectronic device optimization. This study focuses on theoretical investigations into radiative recombination lifetimes in nanostructures, specifically addressing both intra-subband (ISB: e-e) and band-to-band (BTB: e-hh) transitions within InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs). Our research unveils that the radiative lifetimes in ISB and BTB transitions are significantly influenced by external excitation, particularly in thin-layered QWs with strong confinement effects. In the case of ISB transitions (e-e), the recombination lifetimes span a range from 0.1 to 4.7 ns, indicating relatively longer durations. On the other hand, BTB transitions (e-hh) exhibit quicker lifetimes, falling within the range of 0.01 to 1 ns, indicating comparatively faster recombination processes. However, it is crucial to note that the thickness of the quantum well layer exerts a substantial influence on the radiative lifetime, whereas the presence of impurities has a comparatively minor impact on these recombination lifetimes. This research advances our understanding of transition lifetimes in quantum well systems, promising enhancements across optoelectronic applications, including laser diodes and advanced technologies in detection, sensing, and telecommunications.
This study provides an in-depth numerical simulation to optimize the structure of InGaN-based p-i-n single homojunction solar cells using SCAPS-1D software. The cell comprised a p-type layer, an intrinsic i-type layer, and an n-type layer. A systematic parametric optimization methodology was employed, involving a sequential investigation of doping concentrations, layer thicknesses, and indium composition to identify the optimal device configuration. Initial optimization of doping levels established optimal concentrations of for the p-layer and for the n-layer. Subsequently, structural parameters were optimized through systematic variation of layer thicknesses while maintaining optimal doping concentrations. The comprehensive optimization culminated in the identification of an optimal device architecture featuring a p-type layer thickness of 0.2 μm, an intrinsic layer thickness of 0.4 μm, an n-type layer thickness of 0.06 μm, and an indium composition of x = 0.59 in the intrinsic layer. This fully optimized configuration achieved a maximum conversion efficiency (η) of 21.40%, a short-circuit current density () of 28.2 mA/cm2, and an open-circuit voltage () of 0.874 V. The systematic optimization approach demonstrates the critical importance of simultaneous parameter optimization in achieving superior photovoltaic performance, with the final device configuration representing a 30.01% efficiency improvement compared to the baseline structure. These findings provide critical insights for improving the design and performance of InGaN-based solar cells, serving as a valuable reference for future experimental research.
III-Nitride semiconductors (BN, AlN, GaN, and InN) exhibit exceptional electronic and mechanical properties that render them indispensable for high-performance optoelectronic, power, and high-frequency device applications. This study implements first-principles Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate the influence of hydrostatic pressure on the electronic, elastic, and mechanical properties of these materials in the wurtzite crystallographic configuration. Our computational analysis demonstrates that the bandgap energy exhibits a positive pressure coefficient for GaN, AlN, and InN, while BN manifests a negative pressure coefficient consistent with its indirect-bandgap characteristics. The elastic constants and derived mechanical properties reveal material-specific responses to applied pressure, with BN maintaining superior stiffness across the pressure range investigated, while InN exhibits the highest ductility among the studied compounds. GaN and AlN demonstrate intermediate mechanical robustness, positioning them as optimal candidates for pressure-sensitive applications. Furthermore, the observed nonlinear trends in elastic moduli under pressure reveal anisotropic mechanical responses during compression, a phenomenon critical for the rational design of strain-engineered devices. The computational results provide quantitative insights into the pressure-dependent behavior of III-N semiconductors, facilitating their strategic implementation and optimization for high-performance applications in extreme environmental conditions, including high-power electronics, deep-space exploration systems, and high-pressure optoelectronic devices.
III-nitride-based lasers are promising light sources for visible and near-ultraviolet applications, yet their performance is heavily governed by the interplay between material composition and heterostructure design. This paper presents a polarization-enhanced physical modeling framework for InGaN/GaN coupled dual quantum well (DQW) lasers emitting in the 382–394 nm spectral range. The model explicitly accounts for spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization fields, strain effects, and composition-dependent material properties. Optical gain is evaluated via interband transitions between quantized electron and hole states to assess the impact of indium content, quantum well thickness, and barrier design on carrier confinement and inter-well coupling. Simulation results indicate that optimized structures (L w = 2.0 nm, x In =12%) can achieve peak optical gain exceeding 360 cm⁻¹ and output powers reaching 8.75 mW at threshold currents of 25.34 mA, while remaining compatible with practical epitaxial growth constraints. These findings provide clear design guidelines for high-performance III-nitride multi-quantum-well laser devices.