Efficiency of quantum-utilizing solar energy converters in the presence of recombination losses

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Abstract
The presence of nonradiative losses limits the optimal absorbance of a solar energy converter. When nonradiative losses exceed radiative losses, the optimal absorbance at ν of a flat‐plate device is approximately (hν−E0)/2.3 kT, where E0 is the threshold photon energy. For a given output potential, the optimal threshold E0 increases approximately as kT ln κ, where κ is the ratio of nonradiative to radiative decay rates within the absorbing material. The maximum efficiency of a terrestrial flat‐plate device (AM 1.5, 28 °C) falls from 0.334 when κ=0, to 0.316 when κ=1, to 0.257 when κ=1000. Curves are displayed showing the dependence of efficiency on the potential of the process driven, the threshold photon energy, and the relative rate of nonradiative decay.