Optimized light trapping in thin film silicon solar cells by metal nanoparticle

Detailed design for nanoparticle plasmons-enhanced solar cells is presented in this article. Optimal structure for the max enhancement from the nanoparticle arrays is investigated by varying the size, shape and period of the nanoparticle, and thickness of Si absorber. Tolerance of the nanoparticle arrays provides guidance for fabrication in practice. Contribution of front and back structure as well as the nanoparticle arrays to the photocurrent is analyzed respectively. After optimization short circuit current density attains 20mA/cm2with a 185% enhancement compared to that of the 700nm thick Si.