Broadband absorption enhancement in ultrathin-film solar cells by combining dielectric nanogratings and metallic nanoribbons

Fangwang Gou; Xian Li; Ji Chen; Guangyao Su; Chuanhong Liu; Zhaoyu Zhang

doi:10.1117/1.JNP.9.093596

4 February 2015 Broadband absorption enhancement in ultrathin-film solar cells by combining dielectric nanogratings and metallic nanoribbons

Fangwang Gou, Xian Li, Ji Chen, Guangyao Su, Chuanhong Liu, Zhaoyu Zhang

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Nanophotonics, Vol. 9, Issue 1, 093596 (February 2015). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JNP.9.093596

Abstract

Optical absorption improvement and cost reduction of thin-film solar cells have been long-time issues. These two aims are achieved simultaneously by combining metallic nanoribbons and dielectric gratings at the front side of ultrathin-film amorphous silicon solar cells. Surface-plasmon-polariton waves excited by the nanoribbons at the long wavelength co-operates with Uller-Zenneck waves and cavity resonances excited by the gratings at the short wavelength with little cross-effect, leading to a complementary absorption enhancement of 31% when compared to planar structure. In addition, this design exhibits wide-angle absorption as well as a high fabrication tolerance. Compared to the previous work combining different mechanisms, this design provides fewer fabrication steps and an easier approach. Moreover, the nanoribbons can be used as a transparent conducting electrode for a low-cost alternative to expensive indium tin oxide thin-film.

Citation Download Citation

Fangwang Gou, Xian Li, Ji Chen, Guangyao Su, Chuanhong Liu, and Zhaoyu Zhang "Broadband absorption enhancement in ultrathin-film solar cells by combining dielectric nanogratings and metallic nanoribbons," Journal of Nanophotonics 9(1), 093596 (4 February 2015). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JNP.9.093596

Published: 4 February 2015

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