Evaluation method of the light-trapping structure for a transparent thin-film silicon solar cell with low-illuminance condition

AbstractNew approach for the determination of the angular distribution of the scattered light at nano-rough surfaces/interfaces from AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) data is presented. Calculation comes from modeling the electromagnetic field in the tight vicinity of the nano-rough surface by complex solution of Maxwell's equations and subsequent near field to far field transform. This method is demonstrated for four types of transparent conductive oxides (with rough free surfaces) deposited on glass substrates. As a result we have the amount and angular distribution of the scattered light „observed” in both transmission and reflection. Moreover calculation can be done for real sample dimensions (to compare the results with the measurement of the angular distribution function using LED laser) or for a semi-infinite sample which suppresses the interference effects and thus such distribution functions can be used as an input parameter for our 3-dimensional optical model CELL for thin film silicon solar cell modeling.In the second part of this contribution we describe our experiment of thin film silicon solar cell characterization by Light Beam Induced Current (LBIC). This measurement done for laboratory solar cell structures reveals the light scattering and light trapping properties of the multilayer stack on a glass substrate. We suggest the test structure for the direct back reflector quality comparison and thus also for its optimization.

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INVESTIGATION OF TRAPPED LIGHT IN THIN-FILM SILICON SOLAR CELLS

Journal of Nonlinear Optical Physics & Materials ◽

10.1142/s0218863510005534 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 19 (04) ◽

pp. 645-651 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

T. BECKERS ◽

K. BITTKAU ◽

R. CARIUS

Keyword(s):

Thin Film ◽

Solar Cell ◽

Silicon Solar Cell ◽

Light Trapping ◽

Near Field ◽

Trapping Efficiency ◽

Silicon Solar Cells ◽

Thin Film Silicon ◽

Scanning Optical Microscopy ◽

Near Field Scanning

In thin-film silicon solar cell devices randomly textured interfaces are used to achieve light scattering sufficient for efficient light trapping. We use near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) for visualizing wave guiding mechanisms experimentally by measuring the evanescent modes. Their impact on the light trapping efficiency and the link to topographic structures will be addressed.

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Increased Absorption with Al Nanoparticle at Front Surface of Thin Film Silicon Solar Cell

Energies ◽

10.3390/en12132602 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (13) ◽

pp. 2602 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Rokeya Jahan Mukti ◽

Md Rabiul Hossain ◽

Ariful Islam ◽

Saad Mekhilef ◽

Ben Horan

Keyword(s):

Thin Film ◽

Solar Cell ◽

Silicon Solar Cell ◽

Structural Parameters ◽

Light Trapping ◽

Fdtd Method ◽

Front Surface ◽

Trapping Efficiency ◽

Nanoparticle Arrays ◽

Thin Film Silicon

This article presents an effective structural design arrangement for light trapping in the front surface of a thin film silicon solar cell (TFSC). Front surface light trapping rate is significantly enhanced here by incorporating the Aluminium (Al) nanoparticle arrays into silicon nitride anti-reflection layer. The light trapping capability of these arrays is extensively analyzed via Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method considering the wavelength ranging from 400 to 1100 nm. The outcome indicates that the structural parameters associated with the aluminium nanoparticle arrays like particle radii and separations between adjacent particles, play vital roles in designing the solar cell to achieve better light trapping efficiency. A detailed comparative analysis has justified the effectiveness of this approach while contrasting the results found with commonly used silver nanoparticle arrays at the front surface of the cell. Because of the surface plasmon excitation, lower light reflectance, and significant near field enhancement, aluminium nanoparticle arrays offer broadband light absorption by the cell.

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