Light scattering and parasitic absorption in thin film silicon solar cells containing metal nanoparticles

Andrea Feltrin; Tomomi Meguro; Mitsuru Ichikawa; Fumiyasu Sezaki; Kenji Yamamoto

doi:10.1117/1.3658280

1 January 2011 Light scattering and parasitic absorption in thin film silicon solar cells containing metal nanoparticles

Andrea Feltrin, Tomomi Meguro, Mitsuru Ichikawa, Fumiyasu Sezaki, Kenji Yamamoto

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Photonics for Energy, Vol. 1, Issue 1, 017003 (January 2011). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3658280

Abstract

The efficiency of thin film silicon modules needs to further improve in the long term to stay competitive with other photovoltaic technologies. Advanced super light trapping designs can be implemented in thin film silicon devices for this purpose. Different approaches are possible and in this work we report on plasmonic back reflectors and intermediate layers designed to enhance optical reflection over conventional device structures. Metal nanoparticles are embedded in thin film single and tandem junctions with the purpose to increase light scattering back into the active layers of the solar cell. Results show that metal nanoparticles do not compromise the electrical solar cell parameters; however, the current increase proves to be elusive in most cases. The data suggest that a better control of the metal nanoparticle size and distribution might be needed in order to harness the full benefits of plasmonic effects in thin film silicon devices.

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Andrea Feltrin, Tomomi Meguro, Mitsuru Ichikawa, Fumiyasu Sezaki, and Kenji Yamamoto "Light scattering and parasitic absorption in thin film silicon solar cells containing metal nanoparticles," Journal of Photonics for Energy 1(1), 017003 (1 January 2011). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3658280

Published: 1 January 2011

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KEYWORDS

Nanoparticles

Metals

Solar cells

Reflectors

Thin films

Silicon

Thin film devices

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