Optimization of non-periodic plasmonic light-trapping layers for thin-film solar cells
2013; Nature Portfolio; Volume: 4; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1038/ncomms3095
ISSN2041-1723
AutoresRagip Pala, John S. Q. Liu, Edward S. Barnard, Daulet Askarov, Erik C. Garnett, Shanhui Fan, Mark L. Brongersma,
Tópico(s)Photonic Crystals and Applications
ResumoNon-periodic arrangements of nanoscale light scatterers allow for the realization of extremely effective broadband light-trapping layers for solar cells. However, their optimization is challenging given the massive number of degrees of freedom. Brute-force, full-field electromagnetic simulations are computationally too time intensive to identify high-performance solutions in a vast design space. Here we illustrate how a semi-analytical model can be used to quickly identify promising non-periodic spatial arrangements of nanoscale scatterers. This model only requires basic knowledge of the scattering behaviour of a chosen nanostructure and the waveguiding properties of the semiconductor layer in a cell. Due to its simplicity, it provides new intuition into the ideal amount of disorder in high-performance light-trapping layers. Using simulations and experiments, we demonstrate that arrays of nanometallic stripes featuring a limited amount of disorder, for example, following a quasi-periodic or Fibonacci sequence, can substantially enhance solar absorption over perfectly periodic and random arrays. Non-periodic plasmonic nanostructures can provide efficient light trapping for solar cells, but their optimization can be computationally hard. Pala et al.present a semi-analytical model that identifies possible arrangements quickly, providing insight to the optimal level of disorder needed.
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