Improving dielectric nano-resonator-based antireflection coatings for photovoltaics

Dongheon Ha; Nikolai B. Zhitenev

doi:10.1117/12.2320744

19 September 2018 Improving dielectric nano-resonator-based antireflection coatings for photovoltaics

Dongheon Ha, Nikolai B. Zhitenev

Proceedings Volume 10730, Nanoengineering: Fabrication, Properties, Optics, and Devices XV; 107300A (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2320744
Event: SPIE Nanoscience + Engineering, 2018, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We demonstrate optical and electrical property enhancement of solar cells using a variety of dielectric nano-resonator array coatings. First, we study close-packed silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nano-resonator arrays on top of silicon (Si) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells. From macroscale measurements and calculations, we find that absorptivity of solar cells can be improved by 20 % due to the resonant couplings of excited whispering gallery modes and the thin-film antireflection effect. Next, we image photocurrent enhancement at the nanoscale via near-field scanning photocurrent microscopy (NSPM). Strong local photocurrent enhancement is observed over each nano-resonator at wavelengths corresponding to the whispering gallery mode excitation. Finally, for better optical coupling to solar cells, we explore hybrid nano-resonator arrays combining multiple materials such as silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and titanium dioxide. Due to higher number of photonic modes within such hybrid coatings, absorptivity is enhanced by more than 30 % in a Si solar cell.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Dongheon Ha and Nikolai B. Zhitenev "Improving dielectric nano-resonator-based antireflection coatings for photovoltaics", Proc. SPIE 10730, Nanoengineering: Fabrication, Properties, Optics, and Devices XV, 107300A (19 September 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2320744

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