Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an indium gallium phosphide (InGaP) nucleation layer is disposed between the germanium (Ge) substrate and the overlying dual-junction epilayers for controlling the diffusion depth of the n-doping in the germanium junction. Specifically, by acting as a diffusion barrier to arsenic (As) contained in the overlying epilayers and as a source of n-type dopant for forming the germanium junction, the nucleation layer enables the growth time and temperature in the epilayer device process to be minimized without compromising the integrity of the dual-junction epilayer structure. This in turn allows the arsenic diffusion into the germanium substrate to be optimally controlled by varying the thickness of the nucleation layer. An active germanium junction formed in accordance with the present invention has a typical diffused junction depth that is ? to ½ of that achievable in prior art devices.

Abstract: A method and a multijunction solar device having a high band gap heterojunction middle solar cell are disclosed. In one embodiment, a triple-junction solar device includes bottom, middle, and top cells. The bottom cell has a germanium (Ge) substrate and a buffer layer, wherein the buffer layer is disposed over the Ge substrate. The middle cell contains a heterojunction structure, which further includes an emitter layer and a base layer that are disposed over the bottom cell. The top cell contains an emitter layer and a base layer disposed over the middle cell.