Perfect metamaterial absorber for applications in sustainable and high-efficiency solar cells

Patrick Rufangura; Cumali Sabah

doi:10.1117/1.JNP.12.026002

11 April 2018 Perfect metamaterial absorber for applications in sustainable and high-efficiency solar cells

Patrick Rufangura, Cumali Sabah

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Nanophotonics, Vol. 12, Issue 2, 026002 (April 2018). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JNP.12.026002

Abstract

The current state of energy is characterized by complex challenges in production processes and environmental issues. With the world population continuing to multiply faster and the globalization process, additional energy production is needed to meet future demands. Solar energy is one of the best sustainable energy resources, which is expected to play a vital role in this scenario. One of the best techniques to harvest this resource is through solar photovoltaic technology, which produces electricity directly from solar radiation. But, one of the problems still persisting is its low efficiency. To harness this technology, this problem needs to be addressed. Metamaterial (MTM) technology has enabled the creation of advanced devices for various applications. Solar cell technology is one of the fields to benefit from this technology. MTM perfect absorber can be used in solar cells to improve their absorption. Multiple-bands MTM absorber for next generation high-efficiency solar cells is proposed. The design gives a nearly perfect absorption (99.94%) with a bandwidth of 23.4% in visible spectrum. In addition, the geometric flexibility of a proposed design causes its absorption rate to be insensitive of polarization angles and angles of incident electromagnetic radiations.

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Patrick Rufangura and Cumali Sabah "Perfect metamaterial absorber for applications in sustainable and high-efficiency solar cells," Journal of Nanophotonics 12(2), 026002 (11 April 2018). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JNP.12.026002

Received: 15 January 2018; Accepted: 20 March 2018; Published: 11 April 2018

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