ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors study the models and physical features that explain those general properties of diodes that are central to their application for energy conversion. The auhors first examine the operation of realistic semiconductor device models, starting with majority carrier diodes controlled by charge transference at the contact. Then the authors discuss in detail the recombination diode formed by a semiconductor layer of long diffusion length with asymmetric contacts to either electrons or holes. The authors discuss the conversion of light-generated carriers to voltage, and describe the general function of the selective contacts as well as their specific materials and interfacial properties. Electronic devices for energy and light production require a transformation of the electronic carrier concentration to a voltage. This functionality is realized by the diode structure, which imparts directionality to the carrier flow with respect to the external contacts.
