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Enhancement of light trapping for thin film solar cells

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 December 2018

Yasha Yi*
Affiliation:
Integrated Nano Optoelectronics Laboratory, University of Michigan, 4901 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128, USA Energy Institute, University of Michigan, 2301 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Wei Guo
Affiliation:
Integrated Nano Optoelectronics Laboratory, University of Michigan, 4901 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128, USA
Yueheng Peng
Affiliation:
Integrated Nano Optoelectronics Laboratory, University of Michigan, 4901 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128, USA
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Abstract

Light trapping is one of the key challenges for next generation thin film solar cells. In this work, we have identified the distinct light trapping effects for short and long wavelength solar spectrum range, by investigating lighting trapping structures on both sides of Si thin film solar cells. The sub-wavelength photonic front surface by wet etching and multi-layer photonic crystal reflector on the bottom surface are studied in detail for its solar energy absorption characteristics. Our study reveals the drastic difference of the light trapping effects within the solar spectrum wavelength. This work may provide guidance for the efficiency enhancementfor next generation thin film photovoltaic cells.

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Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2018 

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References

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