Embedded metal nanopatterns for near-field scattering-enhanced optical absorption

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that embedding metal nanopatterns in thin photovoltaic films significantly enhances optical absorption and current density through near-field scattering, offering a promising route to improve thin film solar cell efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a novel embedded nanopattern architecture that maximizes near-field scattering to boost absorption in thin photovoltaic layers.

Findings

Over 300% increase in absorbance at 800 nm wavelength.

70% increase in short circuit current density in 60 nm amorphous silicon.

Potential for improved ultrathin hot electron photovoltaic cells.

Abstract

Simulations of metal nanopatterns embedded in a thin photovoltaic absorber show significantly enhanced absorbance within the semiconductor, with a more than 300% increase for {\lambda} = 800 nm. Integrating with AM1.5 solar irradiation, this yields a 70% increase in simulated short circuit current density in a 60 nm amorphous silicon film. Embedding such metal patterns inside an absorber maximally utilizes enhanced electric fields that result from intense, spatially organized, near-field scattering in the vicinity of the pattern. Appropriately configured (i.e. with a thin insulating coating), this optical metamedium architecture may be useful for increasing photovoltaic efficiency in thin film solar cells, including offering prospects for realistic ultrathin hot electron cells.