Absorption enhancing proximity effects in aperiodic nanowire arrays

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that intentionally clustering nanowires in aperiodic arrays enhances light absorption by enabling coupling into dark modes, which are inaccessible in periodic arrangements, thus improving photovoltaic efficiency.

Contribution

It reveals how clustering in aperiodic nanowire arrays enables access to dark modes, significantly boosting absorption for photovoltaic applications.

Findings

Aperiodic arrays have higher absorption than periodic ones.

Clustering enables coupling into dark modes, increasing absorption.

Intentional clustering is necessary for optimal performance.

Abstract

Aperiodic Nanowire (NW) arrays have higher absorption than equivalent periodic arrays, making them of interest for photovoltaic applications. An inevitable property of aperiodic arrays is the clustering of some NWs into closer proximity than in the equivalent periodic array. We focus on the modes of such clusters and show that the reduced symmetry associated with cluster formation allows external coupling into modes which are dark in periodic arrays, thus increasing absorption. To exploit such modes fully, arrays must include tightly clustered NWs that are unlikely to arise from fabrication variations but must be created intentionally.