Plasmonic nanoparticle scattering for enhanced performance of photovoltaic and photodetector devices

E. T. Yu; D. Derkacs; S. H. Lim; P. Matheu; D. M. Schaadt

doi:10.1117/12.798327

28 August 2008 Plasmonic nanoparticle scattering for enhanced performance of photovoltaic and photodetector devices

E. T. Yu, D. Derkacs, S. H. Lim, P. Matheu, D. M. Schaadt

Proceedings Volume 7033, Plasmonics: Nanoimaging, Nanofabrication, and Their Applications IV; 70331V (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.798327
Event: NanoScience + Engineering, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A variety of approaches are examined for exploiting the optical properties of metal or dielectric nanoparticles, particularly those associated with surface plasmon polariton resonances, to improve the performance of semiconductor photodetectors and photovoltaic devices. Early and recent concepts for employing optical absorption and local electromagnetic field amplitude increases associated with surface plasmon polariton excitation to improve photocurrent generation in organic photovoltaic devices are briefly reviewed. The application of optical scattering properties of nanoparticles to improve transmission of optical power into, and consequently photocurrent response in, Si and a-Si:H photodiodes is then described, and effects related to scattered-wave phase shifts and interference effects between scattered and directly transmitted wave components in producing either enhancement or suppression of photocurrent response at different wavelengths are discussed. Coupling of photons incident normal to the surface of a semiconductor thin-film device into lateral, optically confined paths within waveguide structures formed by refractive index contrast either within the semiconductor structure, or between the semiconductor and surrounding dielectric material, is discussed in the context of early and recent studies of such coupling in silicon-on-insulator photodetectors, and recent work on engineering of photon propagation paths in III-V compound semiconductor quantum well solar cells.

Citation Download Citation

E. T. Yu, D. Derkacs, S. H. Lim, P. Matheu, and D. M. Schaadt "Plasmonic nanoparticle scattering for enhanced performance of photovoltaic and photodetector devices", Proc. SPIE 7033, Plasmonics: Nanoimaging, Nanofabrication, and Their Applications IV, 70331V (28 August 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.798327

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available