Photovoltaic determination of optical-absorption coefficient in CdTe

Abstract

Optical‐absorption coefficients for CdTe greater than 10³ cm⁻¹, calculated from the spectral‐response curve of a CdS/CdTe heterojunction solar cell produced in our laboratory, are in agreement with recent optical measurements on thin films and bulk samples of CdTe. This technique allows high values of absorption coefficient to be measured in bulk samples, bypassing the problems associated with optical measurements in thin films. The high values of absorption coefficient determined for CdTe encourage its use as a thin‐film solar‐cell material.