Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
In a-Si:H solar cells, light trapping has been sought as a method to enhance absorption and improve the efficiencies of these devices. Here we present results for surface texturing of 2μm thick a-Si:H films by 800 nm wavelength femtosecond laser. The texture led to a significant enhancement in optical absorption (80%) in visible through near IR (60%). The textured surface was examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results indicated the formation of dense spikes with height of 65–75 nm. The samples were completely black after femtosecond laser treatment.