Impact of structure symmetry on light trapping properties of periodic nanostructures: A systematic discussion and quantification
Wang P, Peters IM (2016)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2016
Journal
Book Volume: 119
Article Number: 083101
Journal Issue: 8
DOI: 10.1063/1.4942167
Abstract
Submicron periodic nanostructures have great potential for light trapping in ultra-thin silicon solar cells. In addition to period, aspect ratio, and structure geometry, the symmetry of the periodic nanostructures also has an impact on their light trapping properties. It has been generally agreed that breaking of symmetry in such structures can enhance light trapping. However, the quantitative relation of asymmetry and light trapping is still an open question. In this work, we suggest a method to quantify the impact of structure symmetry using periodic inverted nanopyramids (PiNPs) as a case study. Different degree of asymmetry is introduced into the structure by changing the cross section of the baseline PiNPs into hexagon, octagon, or circle and by skewing the PiNPs to different degree. We then present a systematic discussion of the impact of broken symmetry on absorption in the context of ultra-thin silicon solar cells. The results demonstrate that the light trapping effects of periodic nanostructures increase with the degree of asymmetry. For the investigated configurations, breaking of symmetry could improve the absorbed photocurrent density by up to 3 mA/cm2. We also propose explanations for the enhanced absorption due to breaking of symmetry from the perspective of diffraction and near-field enhancement.
Involved external institutions
Solar Energy Research Institute Singapore SERIS
Singapore (SG)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
United States (USA) (US)
Singapore (SG)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
United States (USA) (US)
How to cite
APA:
Wang, P., & Peters, I.M. (2016). Impact of structure symmetry on light trapping properties of periodic nanostructures: A systematic discussion and quantification. Journal of Applied Physics, 119(8). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4942167
MLA:
Wang, Puqun, and Ian Marius Peters. "Impact of structure symmetry on light trapping properties of periodic nanostructures: A systematic discussion and quantification." Journal of Applied Physics 119.8 (2016).
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