Simulation Assignments
Unit I – Optical Mechanisms & Photodiodes
1. E–H Pair Generation Simulation
Base: Model absorption in Si/GaAs using Beer–Lambert law.
Extension: Investigate nanostructuring (quantum dots, nanowires) for modified
absorption.
Tool: Python / GNU Octave
2. Carrier Recombination Dynamics
Base: Solve SRH and Auger recombination equations.
Extension: Compare lifetimes in bulk vs. 2D semiconductors (MoS₂, WS₂).
Tool: Scilab / Octave
3. Optical Absorption Spectrum
Base: Plot absorption coefficient for direct vs. indirect semiconductors.
Extension: Add excitonic peaks, validate with experimental data.
Tool: Python (NumPy, Matplotlib)
4. Time-Resolved Photoluminescence (TRPL)
Base: Simulate exponential carrier decay.
Extension: Explore multi-exponential fitting for defect states.
Tool: Python (SciPy curve fitting)
5. Photonic Bandgap (1D Crystal)
Base: Simulate bandgap in periodic dielectric.
Extension: Study defect states for slow-light applications.
Tool: MIT Photonic Bands (MPB)
6. PIN Photodiode Response
Base: IV curve of PIN diode under illumination.
Extension: Optimize intrinsic layer thickness for speed vs. responsivity.
Tool: LTSpice / QUCS
7. Avalanche Photodiode Gain
Base: Multiplication factor vs. reverse bias.
Extension: Analyze noise and propose grading structures.
Tool: LTSpice
8. Photodetector Noise Simulation
Base: Add random noise to photodiode current.
Extension: Apply ML filtering for SNR enhancement.
Tool: Python (NumPy, scikit-learn)
9. Photodiode Frequency Response
Base: Plot RC-limited frequency response.
Extension: Propose electrode designs for higher bandwidth.
Tool: LTSpice
10. Comparison of PIN vs. APD
Base: Responsivity & bandwidth trade-offs.
Extension: Hybrid PIN–APD models for performance boost.
Tool: Scilab / Octave
Unit II – Solar Cells & Advanced Photodiodes
1. Solar Cell IV Curve
Base: Simulate solar cell I–V with diode + photocurrent model.
Extension: Add non-ideal effects (temperature, shading).
Tool: LTSpice
2. Effect of Series/Shunt Resistance
Base: Show efficiency drop by varying Rs, Rsh.
Extension: Propose defect passivation strategies.
Tool: LTSpice / QUCS
3. Spectral Response Simulation
Base: QE vs. wavelength.
Extension: Compare with perovskite cell data, suggest spectral tuning.
Tool: Python / Octave
4. Heterojunction Solar Cell
Base: Model band alignment and photocurrent.
Extension: Investigate graded bandgap junctions.
Tool: SCAPS-1D
5. Tandem Solar Cell (Cascaded)
Base: Two-junction efficiency vs. wavelength.
Extension: Optimize bandgap pairs using AI-driven search.
Tool: SCAPS-1D / Python
6. Thin-Film Solar Cell Absorption
Base: Absorption using transfer matrix method.
Extension: Add plasmonic nanoparticles for enhancement.
Tool: Python (TMM libraries)
7. Schottky Solar Cell IV Curve
Base: Metal–semiconductor diode modeling.
Extension: Explore graphene/metal Schottky contacts.
Tool: LTSpice
8. MS Photodiode Capacitance
Base: C–V characteristics of Schottky diode.
Extension: Ultra-thin 2D Schottky scaling study.
Tool: LTSpice
9. MSM Photodiode Response
Base: Interdigitated MSM RC response.
Extension: Transparent conducting oxide electrodes for improved detection.
Tool: Python
10. Wavelength-Selective Detection
Base: Fabry–Perot cavity absorption enhancement.
Extension: Propose tunable MEMS cavity detectors.
Tool: Python (transfer matrix)
11. Simulation of PN Junction under Illumination
Base: Model electron-hole pair generation and photocurrent formation.
Procedure: Create a PN junction in SCAPS-1D; illuminate with standard AM1.5
spectrum; observe current generation.
Software: SCAPS-1D / wxAMPS
Research Extension: Study impact of different doping concentrations on
photocurrent efficiency.
12. Effect of Temperature on Photovoltaic Effect
Objective: Investigate how cell temperature affects photocurrent and efficiency.
Procedure: Vary temperature in SCAPS-1D simulation; record changes in I–V
characteristics.
Software: SCAPS-1D / PC1D
Research Extension: Propose passive cooling methods to optimize cell
performance.
13. Carrier Lifetime Effect on Recombination
Objective: Analyze how carrier lifetime affects recombination and efficiency.
Procedure: Adjust minority carrier lifetime in SCAPS-1D; simulate I–V and
recombination rate.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Explore materials with engineered lifetimes to improve
performance.
14. I–V Characteristics of a PN Solar Cell
Objective: Plot current-voltage curve under various illumination levels.
Procedure: Simulate PN junction under different light intensities in SCAPS-1D.
Software: LTspice / SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Compare simulated curves with experimental data from
lab-fabricated cells.
15. Simulation of Fill Factor (FF) and Efficiency
Objective: Extract FF and efficiency from I–V curves.
Procedure: Calculate FF = (Vmp*Imp)/(Voc*Isc); efficiency = (Pmax/Pin).
Software: MATLAB/Octave
Research Extension: Optimize cell parameters to maximize FF.
16. Spectral Response (SR) and Quantum Efficiency (QE)
Objective: Simulate QE curve versus wavelength.
Procedure: Apply monochromatic light sources in SCAPS-1D; compute QE.
Software: SCAPS-1D / PC1D
Research Extension: Study effect of different window layers on QE.
17. Impact of Series and Shunt Resistance on V–I Curve
Objective: Study effect of Rs and Rsh on I–V characteristics.
Procedure: Add series and shunt resistances in LTspice; simulate V–I.
Software: LTspice / GNU Octave
Research Extension: Design low-Rs solar cells for high-power applications.
18. Simulation of Heterojunction Solar Cell (a-Si / c-Si)
Objective: Compare heterojunction with single junction performance.
Procedure: Build a-Si/c-Si structure in SCAPS-1D; simulate I–V and efficiency.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Investigate novel heterojunction materials to increase
efficiency.
19. Band Alignment in Heterojunction Cells
Objective: Study conduction and valence band offsets.
Procedure: Set different band offsets in wxAMPS; observe carrier transport.
Software: wxAMPS
Research Extension: Propose band engineering for higher open-circuit voltage.
20. Cascaded (Tandem) Solar Cells Efficiency Modeling
Objective: Simulate dual-junction vs. single-junction efficiency.
Procedure: Stack two junctions in SCAPS-1D; simulate I–V and efficiency.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Optimize top and bottom cell bandgaps for maximum
efficiency.
21. Current Matching in Tandem Solar Cells
Objective: Analyze effects of current mismatch on tandem performance.
Procedure: Simulate different thicknesses for top and bottom layers; observe
current matching.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Develop adaptive thickness optimization algorithm.
22. Schottky Barrier Solar Cell Simulation
Objective: Simulate metal–semiconductor junction I–V characteristics.
Procedure: Create Schottky junction in wxAMPS; simulate under illumination.
Software: wxAMPS
Research Extension: Investigate alternative metals for barrier height tuning.
23. Effect of Barrier Height on Schottky Solar Cells
Objective: Study performance variation with different metal work functions.
Procedure: Vary barrier height; simulate I–V characteristics.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Optimize barrier height for maximum Voc.
24. Thin Film CdTe Solar Cell Simulation
Objective: Study thickness vs. efficiency relation.
Procedure: Vary absorber thickness in SCAPS-1D; simulate efficiency.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Propose light-trapping structures to reduce required
thickness.
25. CIGS Thin Film Solar Cell Simulation
Objective: Optimize absorber thickness for better efficiency.
Procedure: Vary thickness in SCAPS-1D; record Voc, Jsc, FF.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Study graded bandgap absorbers for enhanced
performance.
26. Anti-Reflection Coating (ARC) Effect on Solar Cell
Objective: Simulate efficiency improvement with ARC.
Procedure: Add ARC layer in SCAPS-1D; simulate QE and efficiency.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Investigate multi-layer ARC designs.
27. Back Surface Field (BSF) Design in Solar Cells
Objective: Analyze BSF effect on recombination and efficiency.
Procedure: Add BSF layer in SCAPS-1D; simulate recombination and Voc.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Study novel BSF materials and thickness optimization.
28. Simulation of Different Absorber Materials (Si, GaAs, CdTe)
Objective: Compare efficiency and spectral response.
Procedure: Change absorber material in SCAPS-1D; simulate QE and efficiency.
Software: SCAPS-1D / wxAMPS
Research Extension: Identify promising novel absorbers for next-gen cells.
29. Optimization of Solar Cell Thickness
Objective: Vary absorber thickness to find optimum efficiency.
Procedure: Simulate different thicknesses in SCAPS-1D; record efficiency.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Implement multi-layer design to reduce recombination.
30. Design of High-Efficiency Multi-Layer Solar Cell
Objective: Simulate trade-offs between window, absorber, and buffer layers.
Procedure: Stack layers in SCAPS-1D; simulate I–V and efficiency.
Software: SCAPS-1D
Research Extension: Explore tandem and multi-junction combinations for >30%
efficiency.
CCDs, LEDs & AI Applications
1. MOS Capacitor C–V Curve
Base: Simulate C–V numerically.
Extension: Study interface trap effects in high-κ dielectrics.
Tool: Python / Octave
2. Dynamic MOS Response
Base: Transient charge response.
Extension: Compare bulk vs. FinFET MOS capacitors.
Tool: LTSpice
3. CCD Charge Transfer
Base: Animation of charge transfer in CCD.
Extension: Optimize for radiation-hardened imaging.
Tool: Python (matplotlib.animation)
4. Buried Channel CCD Efficiency
Base: Compare buried vs. surface channel transfer.
Extension: Hybrid structures for dark current suppression.
Tool: Python / Scilab
5. LED Electroluminescence Simulation
Base: Recombination vs. injection current.
Extension: Quantum well engineering for higher efficiency.
Tool: Python
6. LED Emission Spectrum
Base: Model Gaussian emission spectrum.
Extension: Simulate multi-peak emission for white LEDs.
Tool: Python / Octave
7. LED Frequency Response
Base: Modulation bandwidth vs. carrier lifetime.
Extension: Structure optimization for VLC.
Tool: LTSpice
8. LED Reliability Simulation
Base: Monte Carlo modeling of defect-induced lifetime.
Extension: Predict long-term degradation with ML.
Tool: Python
9. Microcavity LED
Base: Resonance modes in λ/2 cavity.
Extension: Tunable cavity design for single-wavelength LEDs.
Tool: MIT Photonic Bands (MPB)
10. Deep Learning for Optoelectronics
Base: Train NN to predict solar cell efficiency from bandgap.
Extension: Inverse design for optimized material/device parameters.
Tool: Python (TensorFlow/Keras)
