The 3D Amlouk–Boubaker expansivity–energy gap–Vickers hardness abacus: A new tool for optimizing semiconductor thin film materials

In this study, we propose a new abacus based on a synthetic parameter: the Amlouk–Boubaker expansivity ψ AB . This abacus gathers the band gap energy E g., Vickers microhardness and ψ AB . This abacus is presented as a guide to evaluate and optimize photovoltaic–thermal semiconductor thin films thermal and optical performance. The definition of this parameter ψ AB takes into account the thermal diffusivity and the optical effective absorptivity of the material. As a first approximation, this parameter, could be considered as a 3D velocity of the transmitted heat inside the material. New functional semiconductor materials have been significantly classified using this abacus.