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Surface and bulk passivation of multicrystalline silicon solar cells by ...

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40<br />

Figure 3.2 Schematic diagram <strong>of</strong> impurity-related energy levels within the forbidden gap<br />

<strong>of</strong> a semiconductor. Levels are labeled as to whether the defect is likely to be a<br />

trap or a recombination center according to the SRH model.<br />

3.1.1.3 Auger Recombination. Auger recombination is a process in which an electron<br />

<strong>and</strong> a hole recombine in a b<strong>and</strong>-to-b<strong>and</strong> transition, but now the resulting energy is given<br />

<strong>of</strong>f to another electron or hole instead <strong>of</strong> emitting a photon. Hence, this recombination<br />

process involves three charge carriers. The third excited carrier returns to its initial<br />

energy state <strong>by</strong> emitting phonons.<br />

3.1.2 <strong>Surface</strong> Recombination<br />

3.1.2.1 Fundamentals. Recombination at surfaces <strong>and</strong> interfaces can have a significant<br />

impact on the behavior <strong>of</strong> semiconductor devices. This is because surfaces <strong>and</strong> interfaces<br />

typically contain a large number <strong>of</strong> recombination centers. These centers are due to the<br />

abrupt termination <strong>of</strong> the semiconductor crystal, which leaves non-saturated (`dangling')<br />

bonds resulting in a large density <strong>of</strong> defects (surface/interface states). In addition, the

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