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κ‑Ga2O3/(B)GaAs/GaAs Heterostructures: Study of Optically Active Defects, Design, and Modeling of Solar Cells Based
Tarak Hidouri1, Antonella Parisini1, Babban Kumar Ravidas2
1Department of Mathematical Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy.
ACS Omega
|January 5, 2026
Summary
This study explores novel gallium oxide (κ-Ga₂O₃) heterostructures for solar cells. Simulations show a proposed structure could achieve 23.76% power conversion efficiency, highlighting potential for advanced optoelectronic devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Semiconductor Physics
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Investigating novel heterostructures for intermediate energy band (IEB) layers in solar cells.
- Focus on pure-phase κ-Ga₂O₃/GaAs and κ-Ga₂O₃/BGaAs/GaAs heterostructures grown via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the potential of κ-Ga₂O₃-based heterostructures as IEB layers in solar cells.
- To explore the luminescence mechanisms and interface effects influencing device performance.
- To propose and simulate an optimized solar cell structure for enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE).
Main Methods:
- Characterization using energy-dependent cathodoluminescence (CL) and steady-state photoluminescence (PL).
- Analysis of power- and temperature-dependent PL and CL spectra.
- One-dimensional Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D) for device performance simulation.
Main Results:
- Luminescence in the heterostructures is dominated by donor-acceptor transitions attributed to interface disorder and miniband formation.
- Boron-related point defects, segregation, and diffusion at the interface significantly influence luminescence.
- SCAPS-1D simulations predict a PCE of 23.76% for the proposed κ-Ga₂O₃/a-BGaO/BGaAs/GaAs structure.
Conclusions:
- The studied heterojunctions show promise for active layers in visible and infrared photodetectors.
- The novel solar cell design incorporating a BGaAs/a-BGaO interlayer offers substantial enhancement in solar cell parameters.
- The findings pave the way for developing high-efficiency solar cells utilizing κ-Ga₂O₃-based materials.
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