Numerical modeling of photon recycling in III-V optoelectronic devices

Steven Michael Durbin, Purdue University

Abstract

Numerical modeling is an invaluable tool in aiding in the analysis and design of semiconductor devices. In particular, optoelectronic devices such as solar cells and light emitting diodes based on direct bandgap semiconductors are developing very rapidly, and numerical modeling is one means of assisting in their continued development. This thesis deals with the development of numerical models for self-absorption effects on the external emission intensity and the internal recombination rate, and their application to GaAs based solar cells, light emitting diodes, and the time-resolved photoluminescence technique. The reabsorption of spontaneous emission in a semiconductor, also known as photon recycling, is shown to have a pronounced effect on device operation. The numerical models are also used to examine the potential improvement in device performance resulting from fabrication of thin-film (substrate-free) structures.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Gray, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Electrical engineering

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