What is recorded here?
Shockley and Queisser calculated an ideal efficiency limit for p-n junction solar converters by balancing radiation absorption and emission. Their model varied band gap and the share of radiative recombination. A solar cell must also emit radiation, so absorption alone does not determine attainable power. Detailed balance exposes losses even in a simplified ideal device. The work distinguishes this theoretical benchmark from nonradiative recombination and deviations of actual junctions.
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Scientific scope
The abstract assumes blackbody sun and cell temperatures of 6000 K and 300 K and an ideal radiative limit. This is not a universal ceiling for every photovoltaic design or a measured device efficiency.
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People and systems
William Shockley; Hans J. Queisser
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English catalogue narrative
Shockley and Queisser: a detailed-balance limit for solar cells
Shockley and Queisser calculated an ideal efficiency limit for p-n junction solar converters by balancing radiation absorption and emission. Their model varied band gap and the share of radiative recombination.
A solar cell must also emit radiation, so absorption alone does not determine attainable power. Detailed balance exposes losses even in a simplified ideal device. The work distinguishes this theoretical benchmark from nonradiative recombination and deviations of actual junctions.
Scientific scope
The abstract assumes blackbody sun and cell temperatures of 6000 K and 300 K and an ideal radiative limit. This is not a universal ceiling for every photovoltaic design or a measured device efficiency.
People and systems
William Shockley; Hans J. Queisser