Abstract
We study the working of a photovoltaic MIS structure. We point out the important influence of the insulating layer and of the interface states on the improvement of the photovoltaic yield; both their kinetic and electrostatic actions are examined. Our study shows that there exists an optimum thickness δopt of the insulating layer which provides a maximum electrical power at the output of the device. We give general basic equations for the calculation of δopt and present some results concerning silicon.