title: Dielectric particle and void resonators for thin film solar cell textures.
abstract: Using Mie theory and Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) we compare the properties of dielectric particle and void resonators. We show that void resonators-low refractive index inclusions within a high index embedding medium-exhibit larger bandwidth resonances, reduced peak scattering intensity, different polarization anisotropies, and enhanced forward scattering when compared to their particle (high index inclusions in a low index medium) counterparts. We evaluate amorphous silicon solar cell textures comprising either arrays of voids or particles. Both designs support substantial absorption enhancements (up to 45%) relative to a flat cell with anti-reflection coating, over a large range of cell thicknesses. By leveraging void-based textures 90% of above-bandgap photons are absorbed in cells with maximal vertical dimension of 100 nm.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
authors.forename: Sander A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: Richard R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Grote
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Osgood
authors.forename: Jon A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Schuller
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D055096:Optical Devices; D012031:Refractometry; D012993:Solar Energy; D014159:Transducers