Mismatched front and back gratings for optimum light trapping in ultra-thin crystalline silicon solar cells

HSU W. C., TONG J., BRANHAM M., HUANG Y., YERCİ S., BORİSKİNA S., ...More

OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS, vol.377, pp.52-58, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 377
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.optcom.2016.04.055
  • Journal Name: OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.52-58
  • Keywords: Light trapping, Double grating, Crystalline silicon, Solar cell, Thin absorber, PERIODIC NANOSTRUCTURES, LAYER-TRANSFER, LIMIT, PHOTOVOLTAICS, OPTIMIZATION, ENHANCEMENT, ABSORPTION, MANAGEMENT, EFFICIENCY, COST
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The implementation of a front and back grating in ultra-thin photovoltaic cells is a promising approach towards improving light trapping. A simple design rule was developed using the least common multiple (LCM) of the front and back grating periods. From this design rule, several optimal period combinations can be found, providing greater design flexibility for absorbers of indirect band gap materials. Using numerical simulations, the photo-generated current (J(ph)) for a 10-pm-thick crystalline silicon absorber was predicted to be as high as 38 mA/cm(2), which is 11.74% higher than that of a single front grating (J(ph) =34 mA/cm(2)). (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.