Optical and Electrical Simulation of Photovoltaic Devices

Numerical simulation plays a vital role in the design and optimization of modern photovoltaic devices. As solar cell architectures become more complex—incorporating multilayer thin films, nanostructured interfaces, and tandem configurations—simulation provides a powerful and efficient way to understand device physics, predict performance, and guide experimental development.

Our research in optical and electrical simulation focuses on modeling light propagation, charge transport, and recombination processes in photovoltaic devices. By combining optical and electrical models, we are able to develop a comprehensive understanding of how materials, interfaces, and device geometry influence efficiency.

Optical Modeling and Light Management

The first step in photovoltaic energy conversion is the absorption of sunlight. Optical simulation enables us to study how light interacts with multilayer structures, textured surfaces, and nanostructured materials.

We model reflection, transmission, and absorption in complex device stacks to determine how efficiently incident light is converted into photogenerated carriers. These simulations help optimize layer thicknesses, anti-reflection coatings, and surface textures to maximize absorption while minimizing optical losses.

Optical modeling is particularly important for thin-film and tandem solar cells, where interference effects and spectral management play a significant role. By understanding how different wavelengths propagate through a device, we can design structures that make more effective use of the solar spectrum.

Electrical Device Simulation

Once light is absorbed, the performance of a photovoltaic device depends on how efficiently charge carriers are transported and collected. Electrical simulations allow us to analyze carrier generation, transport, recombination, and extraction under realistic operating conditions.

Our work involves modeling electric fields, carrier lifetimes, defect states, and interface properties to identify loss mechanisms that limit device performance. These models provide insight into how parameters such as doping concentration, mobility, and recombination rates affect efficiency, fill factor, and open-circuit voltage.

By comparing simulation results with experimental data, we refine our models and improve their predictive accuracy.

Coupled Optoelectronic Modeling

In advanced solar cells, optical and electrical processes are strongly interconnected. The spatial distribution of absorbed photons determines where carriers are generated, which in turn affects recombination and current collection.

We develop coupled optoelectronic models that link optical absorption profiles with electrical transport calculations. This integrated approach enables realistic performance predictions and allows us to explore design strategies that simultaneously optimize optical and electrical properties.

Such modeling is especially valuable in tandem devices and thin-film structures, where small design changes can significantly influence current matching and overall efficiency.

Device Design and Optimization

Simulation provides a powerful framework for exploring new device concepts before fabrication. By systematically varying material parameters and structural features in a virtual environment, we can identify promising designs and reduce the time and cost associated with experimental trial and error.

Our simulations support the optimization of layer thicknesses, contact properties, band alignment, and interface passivation strategies. This approach helps accelerate the development of high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies.

Understanding Degradation and Reliability

In addition to performance optimization, simulation can be used to study long-term stability and degradation mechanisms. Modeling the effects of temperature, illumination, and defect formation helps us understand how devices evolve over time and how material choices influence reliability.

These insights guide the design of more stable device architectures and improved material systems.

Bridging Theory and Experiment

A key aspect of our research is the close integration of simulation with experimental work. Measured material parameters, structural data, and device characteristics are used as inputs for modeling, while simulation results help interpret experimental observations.

This iterative process strengthens both theoretical understanding and practical device engineering, enabling more efficient progress toward high-performance photovoltaic systems.

Research Vision

Our long-term goal in optical and electrical simulation is to develop predictive modeling tools that enable the rational design of next-generation photovoltaic devices. By combining accurate physical models with experimental validation, we aim to accelerate innovation in solar cell technology and support the development of efficient, scalable, and reliable energy solutions.