The role that conduction band tail states play in determining the optical response of hydrogenated amorphous silicon

We aim to explore the role that conduction band tail states play in shaping the optical response of hydrogenated amorphous silicon. We do so within the framework of an empirical model for the valence band and conduction band density of states functions, one that considers valence band band, valence band tail, conduction band band, and conduction band tail states. We examine the sensitivity of the joint density of states function to variations in the conduction band tail breadth, all other parameters being held fixed at their nominal hydrogenated amorphous silicon values. We find that when the conduction band tail is narrower than the valence band tail, its role in shaping the corresponding spectral dependence of the joint density of states function is relatively minor. This justifies the use of a simplified empirical model for the density of states functions that neglects the presence of the conduction band tail states in the characterization of the optical response of this material. Experimental data corresponding to hydrogenated amorphous silicon, demonstrating that the conduction band tail breadth is always less than the valence band tail breadth for this material, is then presented. Finally, fundamental reasons for the observed asymmetry in the band tail breadths are reviewed.

Research highlights
► We analyze the optical response of hydrogenated amorphous silicon.
► We explore how the conduction band tail states determine this optical response.
► We examine the sensitivity to variations in the conduction band tail breadth.
► We compare these results with experimental data.
► Reasons for the observed asymmetry in the band tail breadths are reviewed.