Title

Metal-Black Scattering Centers To Enhance Light Harvesting By Thin-Film Solar Cells

Abstract

Small metal particles are investigated as scattering centers to increase the effective optical thickness of thin-film solar cells. The particular type of particles used is known as "metal-black", well known as an IR absorber for bolometric infrared detectors. Gold-black was deposited on commercial thin-film solar cells using a thermal evaporator in nitrogen ambient at pressures of ∼1 Torr. A broad range of length scales, as revealed by scanning electron microscope images gives rise to effective scattering over a range of wavelengths across the solar spectrum. The solar cell efficiency was determined both as a function of wavelength and for a solar spectrum produced by a Xe lamp and appropriate filters. Up to 20% increase in short-circuit photo-current, and a 5% increase in efficiency at the maximum power point, were observed. © 2011 SPIE.

Publication Date

7-25-2011

Publication Title

Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

Volume

8035

Number of Pages

-

Document Type

Article; Proceedings Paper

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883467

Socpus ID

79960546839 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/79960546839

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