Organic solar cells with inverted layer sequence incorporating optical spacers: simulation and experiment

Birger Zimmermann; Markus Glatthaar; Michael Niggemann; Moritz Kilian Riede; Tobias Ziegler; Andreas Gombert

doi:10.1117/12.662530

12 May 2006 Organic solar cells with inverted layer sequence incorporating optical spacers: simulation and experiment

Birger Zimmermann, Markus Glatthaar, Michael Niggemann, Moritz Kilian Riede, Tobias Ziegler, Andreas Gombert

Proceedings Volume 6197, Photonics for Solar Energy Systems; 61970G (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.662530
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2006, Strasbourg, France

Abstract

In this paper we present detailed optical simulations of organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells built with inverted layer sequence as compared to the commonly used setup which is based on indium tin oxide (ITO) covered glass or plastic substrates and where the metal electrode is evaporated on top of the active absorber blend. The inverted setup may have production related advantages over the conventional setup, as the metal electrode is first evaporated onto the substrate and afterwards only wet chemical processes are needed. Additionally ITO can be replaced with a suited module concept. The effects of light trapping with an optical spacer, namely a transparent conductive layer between the absorber and the metallic electrode are investigated for the inverted setup. The results show that the insertion of an optical spacer does not increase the maximal obtainable short circuit current density and is only beneficial if a decrease of film thickness of the active absorber results in a higher internal quantum efficiency, open circuit voltage or fill factor. In the experimental section we show that the inversion of the layer sequence can be realised without any loss in device efficiency as compared to devices with the conventional layer sequence.

Citation Download Citation

Birger Zimmermann, Markus Glatthaar, Michael Niggemann, Moritz Kilian Riede, Tobias Ziegler, and Andreas Gombert "Organic solar cells with inverted layer sequence incorporating optical spacers: simulation and experiment", Proc. SPIE 6197, Photonics for Solar Energy Systems, 61970G (12 May 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.662530

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