Multi type particle layer enhanced absorption for photovoltaics
We discuss regular particle arrays as nanostructured front layers for 3rd generation photovoltaic devices. A rigorous plane wave method is used to investigate multi type particle layers combining different radii and configurations. The absorbance is enhanced compared to the bare wafer and on mixing particles we demonstrate a broadband boost in the absorbance within the photo active region. Efficiency enhancement in terms of short circuit current is studied for varying geometries. Si multi type layers achieved up to 33% improvement without yet standard anti reflection coatings. Metal multi type layers show strong parasitic absorption and boost the absorbance only in narrow wavelength regions and no efficiency enhancement is observed. (c) 2016 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: (310.6805) Theory and design. (350.4600) Optical engineering. (040.5350) Photovoltaic. (050.5298) Photonic crystals. References and links 1. H. M. Branz, V. E. Yost, S. Ward, K. M. Jones, B. To, and P. 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