Enhancing solar cell efficiency with plasmonic behavior of double metal nanoparticle system. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deka, Nipon; Islam, Maidul; Sarswat, Prashant K.; Kumar, Gagan
• Is Part Of: Vacuum. Volume 152(2018)
• Page Start: 285
• Page End: 290
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Vacuum -- Periodicals; 621.55
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2018.03.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-207X

Abstract

Abstract: The use of special arrangement of silver nanoparticle (Ag Np) arrays is presented in order to enhance light trapping capability of the thin film solar cells due to their ability to couple incident sunlight into localized modes. The spatial distribution of the nanoparticles in the matrix and their relative position are the important factors governing the performance of the device. Double nanoparticle system (DNS) over the silicon substrate, which is not a commonly studied system, is explored and the performance (absorption enhancement) was compared with periodically arranged single Ag Nps system. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation has been performed to investigate the effect of silver nanoparticle array patterning on the absorption of solar radiation. The presence of DNS was found responsible for increased coupling of photons into plasmonic modes, and consequently increased absorption of photons into the substrate over a broad range of the solar spectrum. Highlights: Single and double Silver nanoparticle arrays are used to enhance light trapping capability of the Si-solar cells. The integrated absorption enhancement (G) was higher in a case of double nanoparticle system. Most efficient geometry was for the case with Ag nanoparticles of diameter ∼100 nm and internal gap ∼18 – 20 nm.