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Title: Computational analysis of metamaterial–aluminum–silicon solar cell model

Journal Article · · Optical and Quantum Electronics
 [1];  [2]
  1. Centre de Développement des Energies Renouvelables, CDER (Algeria)
  2. The Islamic University of Gaza, Departement of Physics (Palestinian Territory, Occupied)

In this paper, the optical parameters of an improved waveguide structure for a more efficient silicon solar cell are studied. Despite its favorable electronic, physical, and chemical properties, silicon remains a poor absorber of light. The optical losses due to the reflection at the air/glass interface of the cell and the transmission at its back are other factors, which limit the cell conversion efficiency. Consequently, several mechanisms for light trapping capable to increase the collection of the incident photons as electrical current and to decrease the transmission loss, have been developed. In this context, we propose a multilayer waveguide structure in which the sunlight is guided by a metamaterial layer and the transmission loss is eliminated by an aluminum back reflector. The reflection and transmission coefficients are derived by using the Generalized Transfer Matrix Method. The application of the law of conservation of energy allowed the determination of the absorption coefficient. These optical parameters are examined for several angles of incidence for s-polarized light, p-polarized light and unpolarized light. Simulation results show a significant reduction of reflection and a complete suppression of transmission.

OSTI ID:
22946836
Journal Information:
Optical and Quantum Electronics, Vol. 50, Issue 12; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2018 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature; http://www.springer-ny.com; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0306-8919
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English