Enhanced broadband light absorption in silicon film by large-size lumpy silver particles

Abstract

Broadband light absorption enhancement in crystalline silicon thin-film solar cells by rear-located 400 nm lumpy silver particles has been studied, based on the theoretical simulations of 3D finite-difference time-domain method. By simulations, we have investigated the light scattering properties of 400 nm lumpy Ag particles and put it to silicon thin-film solar cells. In addition, the varying rear-located Ag particles coverage and two surface situations of silicon films, which could influence on the light absorption of solar devices, have also been comprehensively considered. The results have shown that rear-located 400 nm lumpy Ag particles would enhance the absorption in silicon films in a broadband range. And it has been proved that 20 % coverage density of rear-located Ag particles is optimal for improving the light absorption of smooth silicon thin-film solar devices. When we create rough surface on one or both sides of silicon films, the absorbed light would further increase, and the theoretical maximum enhancement is 15.1 % compared with the smooth silicon thin-film solar cell without Ag particles.