Modeling and Optimization Techniques of Electronic Devices Using Genetic Algorithm

A new method for developing a realistic physical model of any type of solid state device is presented. Application to model advanced multi-junction solar cells; Thermophotovoltaics; sensors; as well as other novel solid state devices are introduced in this presentation. The primary goal of multijunction solar cell design is to maximize the output power for a given solar spectrum [1-4]. The construction of multijunction cells places the individual junction layers in series, thereby limiting the overall output current to that of the junction layer producing the lowest current [5-7]. The solution to optimizing a multijunction design involves both the design of individual junction layers which produce an optimum output power and the design of a series-stacked configuration of these junction layers which yields the highest possible overall output current. This paper demonstrates the use of Genetic Algorithm in a two-part process to refine a given multijunction solar cell design for near-optimal output power for a desired light spectrum. This approach can similarly be utilized to optimize the parameters of any Solid state device to yield any desired performance.