Quantifying Surface Recombination-Improvements in Determination and Simulation of the Surface Recombination Parameter J0s

The recombination parameter J(0)(s) provides an important metric to characterize surface recombination. For its calculation, numerous methods and models have to be applied. Since the models for the Auger and radiative recombination in crystalline silicon were recently revised, it is important to investigate the influence of these changes on J(0)(s). The origin and possible ways of obtaining J(0)(s) from effective lifetime measurements as well as simulations are described in detail, including the potential to fit the full lifetime curve and a new approach that is based upon the reparameterization of the excess charge carrier density ?n. Using the effective lifetime measurements, we find that J(0)(s) values determined with the older parameterization by Richter et al. will result in erroneous values up to 5 fA/cm(2), depending on the chosen conditions. By simulating the recombination parameter J(0)(s) in near surface, highly doped structures, such as emitters, it is shown that these errors can even go up to 50%. If used in a simulation, we highlight the importance of having the parameterizations of surface recombination being determined with the corresponding parameterization of intrinsic recombination. Therefore, an update for the recombination at oxide-passivated and phosphorous doped surfaces is given that can be used with the new intrinsic recombination models. Finally, we give some best-practice examples on how recent improvements in effective lifetime measurements affect J(0)(s) values as well as possible pitfalls.

Automated summary

The recombination parameter J(0)(s) is essential for characterizing surface recombination, and its calculation requires various methods and models. This study investigates the impact of recent revisions to the models for Auger and radiative recombination in crystalline silicon on J(0)(s). It provides a detailed explanation of the origin and potential methods for obtaining J(0)(s) from effective lifetime measurements and simulations, including fitting the full lifetime curve and a novel approach based on reparameterizing the excess charge carrier density ?n.