Principles of Solar Cells, LEDs and Diodes: The Role of the PN Junction

By Adrian Kitai

Book Overview

This textbook introduces the physical concepts required for a comprehensive understanding of p-n junction devices, light emitting diodes and solar cells. Semiconductor devices have made a major impact on the way we work and live. Today semiconductor p-n junction diode devices are experiencing substantial growth: solar cells are used on an unprecedented scale in the renewable energy industry; and light emitting diodes (LEDs) are revolutionizing energy efficient lighting. These two emerging industries based on p-n junctions make a significant contribution to the reduction in fossil fuel consumption. This book covers the two most important applications of semiconductor diodes - solar cells and LEDs - together with quantitative coverage of the physics of the p-n junction. The reader will gain a thorough understanding of p-n junctions as the text begins with semiconductor and junction device fundamentals and extends to the practical implementation of semiconductors in both photovoltaic and LED devices. Treatment of a range of important semiconductor materials and device structures is also presented in a readable manner. Topics are divided into the following six chapters: - Semiconductor Physics - The PN Junction Diode - Photon Emission and Absorption - The Solar Cell - Light Emitting Diodes - Organic Semiconductors, OLEDs and Solar Cells Containing student problems at the end of each chapter and worked example problems throughout, this textbook is intended for senior level undergraduate students doing courses in electrical engineering, physics and materials science. Researchers working on solar cells and LED devices, and those in the electronics industry would also benefit from the background information the book provides.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1444318330
• ISBN13: 9781444318333
• Release Date: September 2011
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Length: 318 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.7" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

I know it is a textbook. However, I find it is also a fascinating read.

I will quote a paragraph from the introduction as it does a pretty good job of describing the scope of the book. “… to introduce the physical concept required for the thorough understanding of p-n junctions, starting with semiconductor fundamentals and extending this to the practice of semiconductors in both PV and LED devices.” A mouthful to say the least. At first, the book looks like a lot of math. However, when you slow down and read the pages, they are simply familiar formulas that may be presented in different ways to help you better see what you are reading. I have to confess, I had to read the first chapter to get back into the swing of things. As of now, I work more on the software side of the world. I worked with the items before (not the organics), but picked them from catalogs as parts and never really had a coherent picture of what I was working with. This book gives me that picture and fills in some things I missed. If you are just learning about the subject or need a good reference book, this is a good place to start. If you are only reading and not planning on practicing, this is still a good book to get a grasp on what is happening today in the world of Solar Cells. Designed as a textbook, the objectives of each chapter are given at the beginning, so you will know what to focus on at the end of the chapter exercise. I find myself peeking back at previous chapters.