Front contact to the GaSb-photovoltaic converter: Properties and thermal stability

Issues related to the thermal stability of front contacts, based on Cr–Au and Cr–Au–Ag–Au, to GaSb-based photovoltaic cells have been considered at the operational (the cell temperature is 50$^\circ$C) and standard conditions as well as at the forced thermal degradation (at 125 and 200$^\circ$C). It is shown that the photovoltaic converter with the silver-containing contact is preferable in terms of the stability of contact resistivity, external quantum yield, $FF$, $V_{oc}$, and therefore, the cell efficiency and service life. The durability of the cells is determined at operational and elevated temperatures.