Stéphane Biondo

Bio: Stéphane Biondo is an academic researcher from Université Paul Cézanne Aix-Marseille III. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ion implantation & Annealing (metallurgy). The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 11 publications receiving 68 citations.

Optical-electrical simulation of organic solar cells: Influence of light trapping by photonic crystal and ZnO spacer on electrical characteristics

Abstract: This paper deals with organic solar cells (OSC) simulation using finite element method. Optical modeling is performed via finite difference time domain method whilst the continuity and Poisson’s equations are solved to obtain electrical characteristics of the OSC. In this work, simulation results point out the OSC structure influence on its performances, either by the interface grating or by the ZnO optical spacer introduced between the active layer (P3HT:PCBM layer) and the metallic electrode. The comparison of modeling results and experimental measurement allows us to confirm and forecast the enhancement of the photovoltaic properties such as the power conversion efficiency.

Optical-electrical simulation of organic solar cells: excitonic modeling parameter influence on electrical characteristics

Abstract: This paper deals with Organic Solar Cells (OSCs) simulation using finite element method. Optical modeling is performed via Finite Difference Time Domain method whereas the continuity and Poisson’s equations are solved to obtain electrical characteristics of the OSC. In this work, simulation results point out the influence of physical parameters such as the exciton diffusion coefficient or the exciton lifetime on OSC performances. The comparison of modeling results and experimental measurement allows the exciton recombination, dissociation rate and lifetime to be determinated.

Influence on electrical characteristics of the design of 4H-SiC ultraviolet photodetectors: Theoretical analysis and simulations

Abstract: This paper deals with the simulation of the reverse current density of 4H-SiC ultraviolet- (UV) photodetector devices based on p-i-n diodes. Simulations using the finite-element method presented in this paper lead to an understanding of the photodetector current density levels in dark field, as well as under UV exposure. The theoretical study coming from these simulations allows us to propose some UV-photodetector performance enhancements. A way to improve the UV-photodetector performance is to increase the current density at reverse bias. This study demonstrates the improvement in electrical characteristics achievable by either optical or electrical means. Optical simulations prove that an increase in photon harvesting is possible by using a specific patterned surface, a surface grating which behaves as a photonic crystal. In addition to the absorption enhancement achieved caused by this kind of surface, we point out wavelength selectivity. Nevertheless, the electrical simulation confirms that the electric field placement is of primary importance. To ensure that the photon absorption is carried out inside the space-charge region, the simulation study leads us to propose a UV-photodetector comprising a “flat-top pyramid” surface.

Influence of Heating and Cooling Rates of Post-Implantation Annealing Process on Al-Implanted 4H-SiC Epitaxial Samples

Abstract: We report on topographical, structural and electrical measurements of aluminum-implanted and annealed 4H-SiC epitaxial samples. The influence of heating-up and cooling-down temperature rates on the SiC surface roughness, the crystal volume reordering and the dopant electrical activation was particularly studied. A higher heating-rate was found to preserve the rms roughness for annealing temperatures lower than 1700°C, and to improve the sheet resistance whatever the annealing temperature due to a better dopant activation (except for 1600°C process, which induced a dark zone in the sample volume). A complete activation was calculated for an annealing at 1700°C during 30 minutes, with a ramp-up at 20°C/s. Rising the cooling-down rate appeared to increase the sheet resistance, probably due to a higher concentration of point defects in the implanted layer.

4H-SiC P + N UV Photodiodes : A Comparison between Beam and Plasma Doping Processes

Abstract: This paper presents a study of 4H-SiC UV photodetectors based on p+n thin junctions. Two kinds of p+ layers have been implemented, aiming at studying the influence of the junction elaborated by the ion implantation process (and the subsequent annealing) on the device characteristics. Aluminum and Boron dopants have been introduced by beam line and by plasma ion implantation, respectively. Dark currents are lower with Al-implanted diodes (2 pA/cm2 @ - 5 V). Accordingly to simulation results concerning the influence of the junction thickness and doping, plasma B-implanted diodes give rise to the best sensitivity values (1.5x10-1 A/W @ 330 nm).

Organic Optoelectronic Materials: Mechanisms and Applications

Abstract: Organic (opto)electronic materials have received considerable attention due to their applications in thin-film-transistors, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, sensors, photorefractive devices, and many others. The technological promises include low cost of these materials and the possibility of their room-temperature deposition from solution on large-area and/or flexible substrates. The article reviews the current understanding of the physical mechanisms that determine the (opto)electronic properties of high-performance organic materials. The focus of the review is on photoinduced processes and on electronic properties important for optoelectronic applications relying on charge carrier photogeneration. Additionally, it highlights the capabilities of various experimental techniques for characterization of these materials, summarizes top-of-the-line device performance, and outlines recent trends in the further development of the field. The properties of materials based both on small molecules and on conjug...

Materials Science Forum

Abstract: Properties and Application of Geopolymers Vol. 841 (/MSF.841 /book) Development and Investigation of Materials Using Modern Techniques Vol. 840 (/MSF.840/book) Superplasticity in Advanced Materials ICSAM 2015 Vols. 838-839 (/MSF.838-839/book) 12th International Conference on High Speed Machining Vols. 836-837 (/MSF.836-837/book) Sintering Fundamentals II Vol. 835 (/MSF.835/book) Advanced Machining Technologies: Traditions and Innovations Vol. 834 (/MSF.834/book) Applied Materials and Technologies Vol. 833 (/MSF.833/book) Emerging Functional Materials: Book (/MSF.841/book) Papers (/MSF.841)

Nanostructures for photon management in solar cells

Abstract: The concurrent development of high-performance materials, new device and system architectures, and nanofabrication processes has driven widespread research and development in the field of nanostructures for photon management in photovoltaics. The fundamental goals of photon management are to reduce incident light reflection, improve absorption, and tailor the optical properties of a device for use in different types of energy conversion systems. Nanostructures rely on a core set of phenomena to attain these goals, including gradation of the refractive index, coupling to waveguide modes through surface structuring, and modification of the photonic band structure of a device. In this review, we present recent developments in the field of nanostructures for photon management in solar cells with applications across different materials and system architectures. We focus both on theoretical and numerical studies and on progress in fabricating solar cells containing photonic nanostructures. We show that nanoscale light management structures have yielded real efficiency gains in many types of photovoltaic devices; however, we note that important work remains to ensure that improved optical performance does not come at the expense of poor electrical properties.

Enhanced Light Trapping and Power Conversion Efficiency in Ultrathin Plasmonic Organic Solar Cells: A Coupled Optical-Electrical Multiphysics Study on the Effect of Nanoparticle Geometry

Abstract: Plasmonic effects associated with localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonances such as strong light trapping, large scattering cross-section, and giant electric field enhancement have received much attention for the more efficient harvesting of solar energy. Notably, even as the thickness of the active layer is significantly reduced, the optical absorption capability of a solar cell could be maintained with the incorporation of plasmonic effects. This is especially important for the development of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs), where the short exciton diffusion length, low carrier mobility, and strong charge recombination in organic materials strongly favors the use of optically thin active layers ( 100 nm), the optical absorption is alr...