ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the models and physical features that explain the general properties of diodes that are central to their application for energy conversion. It examines the operation of realistic semiconductor device models, starting with majority carrier diodes controlled by charge transference at the contact. The chapter discusses in detail the recombination diode formed by a semiconductor layer of long diffusion length with asymmetric contacts to either electrons or holes. It also discusses the conversion of light-generated carriers to voltage. The chapter describes the general function of the selective contacts as well as their specific materials and interfacial properties. It also describes the basic models for solar cells based on operation of semiconductor devices. In general, in the Schottky barrier (SB) diode, we must take into account several effects due to the modification of surface concentrations by the forward voltage.
