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Coherent light trapping in thin-film photovoltaics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 June 2011

Shrestha Basu Mallick ,
Nicholas P. Sergeant ,
Mukul Agrawal ,
Jung-Yong Lee  and
Peter Peumans
Shrestha Basu Mallick
Affiliation:
Stanford University; sbasumal@stanford.edu
Nicholas P. Sergeant
Affiliation:
Stanford University; Nicholas.p.sergeant@gmail.com
Mukul Agrawal
Affiliation:
Applied Materials, Santa Clara, CA; mukul_agrawal@amat.com
Jung-Yong Lee
Affiliation:
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology; jungyong.lee@kaist.ac.kr
Peter Peumans
Affiliation:
Stanford University; ppeumans@stanford.edu
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Abstract

Thin-film photovoltaic technologies have an enormous potential to reduce the cost of solar electricity. However, because thin photoactive layers are used, optical absorption is incomplete unless light-trapping strategies are employed. Since conventional light-trapping approaches based on geometric scattering are less effective in thin-film cells, coherent light-trapping approaches that exploit the wave nature of light are being explored to enhance optical absorption. In this article, we look at the various strategies for coherent light trapping in thin-film solar cells, including photonic crystals, metal nanostructures, and multilayer stacks. The suitability of a particular strategy depends on factors such as configuration of the solar cell, process compatibility, cost, desired angular response, and materials usage. We also discuss the physical limits of light trapping in thin films.

Keywords

Sithin filmphotovoltaicnanostructureabsorption
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Bulletin , Volume 36 , Issue 6: Photon management for photovoltaics , June 2011 , pp. 453 - 460
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2011

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