We numerically investigate the impact of electron–phonon
scattering on the optical properties of a perovskite material (CH3NH3PbI3). Using nonequilibrium Green
function formalism, we calculate the local density of states for several
values of the electron–phonon scattering strength. We report
an Urbach-like penetration of the density of states in the band gap
due to scattering. A physical analytical model allows us to attribute
this behavior to a multiphonon process. Values of Urbach energy up
to 9.5 meV are obtained, meaning that scattering contribution to the
total experimental Urbach energy of 15 meV is quite important. We
also show that the open-circuit voltage Voc, for a solar cell assuming such a material as an absorber, depends
on the scattering strength. Voc loss increases with the scattering strength, up to 41 mV.
Finally, an unexpected result of this study, is that the impact of
electron–phonon scattering on Urbach tail and Voc increases with the phonon energy.
This low value in perovskite (8 meV) is therefore an advantage for
photovoltaic applications.