Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped TeO2-PbF2 oxyhalide tellurite glasses for amorphous silicon solar cells

In this study, we successfully prepared Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped TeO2-PbF2 oxyfluoride tellurite glasses with different Yb3+ concentrations and characterized their upconversion properties. Intense emission bands at 527, 544, and 657 nm corresponded to the Er3+ transitions, and the maximum was obtained at an Yb3+-to-Er3+ molar ratio of 3. When this glass was applied at the back of amorphous silicon solar cells in combination with a rear reflector, a 0.45% improvement in efficiency was obtained under co-excitation of AM1.5 and 400 mW 980 nm laser radiation. Maximum external quantum efficiency and luminescence quantum efficiency of 0.27% and 1.35%, respectively, were achieved at 300 mW excitation. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.