An efficient utilization of the sun spectrum is a key issue in the field of thin-film silicon solar cell technology. Therefore, different strategies for enhanced light absorption were presented in the last years. In order to achieve a better understanding of light scattering at nanotextured interfaces the optical properties of a large variety of samples were studied. The angle resolved scattering behavior was analyzed by means of a developed ray tracing model. As an alternative to randomly textured substrates, the influence of periodically textured substrates on the light propagation in solar cells was experimentally and numerically studied with respect to improved light in-coupling and light trapping. Based on a deeper understanding a new tandem cell structure with a diffractive element between the top and bottom cell was developed. Finally, the influence of metallic nanoparticles on the cell performance was studied.

Surface plasmons in metallic nanoparticle arrays have been shown to increase the absorption of an underlying silicon substrate. This has wide ranging applications, not least in the photovoltaic industry. Incident light excites localised surface plasmons in the silver nanoparticles and is coupled into the silicon in trapped modes. The radiative behaviour of the nanoparticle film is changed by the proximity of a high refractive index surface, causing radiation to be directed into the silicon and providing a light-trapping layer. We investigate a simple and effective method of tuning the surface plasmon resonance frequency, and hence the spectral region at which the absorption enhancement is seen, by varying the underlying dielectric. The particle geometry and distribution are modified by the surface conditions provided by the dielectric layer, and both this and the change in refractive index alter the resonance position. Three common dielectrics used in the photovoltaic industry were investigated as surfaces on which to form arrays of self-assembled silver nanoparticles atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposited titanium dioxide (APCVD TiO2), low pressure chemical vapour deposited silicon nitride (LPCVD Si3N4) and thermally grown silicon dioxide (SiO2). We show, by optical and electrical measurements, that the red-shifted resonances produced by nanoparticle films on APCVD TiO2, and LPCVD Si3N4 with relatively high refractive indices, correspond to an increase in optical absorption and external quantum efficiency in thin, crystalline solar cells at longer wavelengths.

For thin-film silicon solar cells, light trapping schemes are of uppermost importance to harvest all available sunlight. Typically, superstrates with randomly textured TCO front layers are used to scatter the light diffusively in pin-cells on glass. Here, we investigate methods to texture opaque substrates with both random and periodic textures, for use in nip-cells on metal foil. We applied an electrically insulating SiOx-polymer coating on a stainless steel substrate, and textured this barrier layer by nanoimprint. On this barrier layer the back contact is deposited for further use in the solar cell stack. Replication of masters with various random and periodic sub-micron patterns was tested, and, using scanning electron microscopy, replicas were found to compare well with the originals. The embossing of the barrier layer does not diminish its electrically isolating properties, and thus adds extra functionality to this layer. Masters with U-grooves of various sub-micrometer widths have been used to investigate the optimal dimensions of regular patterns for light trapping in the silicon layers. Angular reflection distributions were measured to evaluate the light scattering properties of both periodic and random patterns. These periodic patterns, comprising diffraction gratings, show promising results in scattering the light to specific angles, enhancing the total internal reflection in the solar cell.

Barium copper sulfur fluoride thin films with a face-centered cubic phase in the Fm3m space group were synthesized via RF magnetron sputtering. The results of a detailed optical and electronic characterization of the films are presented. As-deposited, they exhibit degenerate p-type conductivity at room temperature of approximately 260 S/cm – higher than that of any previously reported p-TC. Their conductivity after post-deposition processing increases to as high as 800 S/cm. The films exhibit bandgaps ranging from 1.45-1.75 eV. They are typically deposited with a substrate temperature between room temperature and 100°C, making them suitable for deposition on plastic as well as glass or crystalline substrates. It was found that a silica protective layer reduces degradation in film transparency that is caused by exposure to air.

For thin film silicon solar cells it is vital to increase the optical path of light in the absorber because this allows for thinner cells with better stability and higher production throughput. We discuss the effect of periodically textured interfaces for the case of thin film silicon solar cells in n-i-p configuration using embossed plastic substrate which allows us studying the effect of a wide range of random or periodic textures. Due to the moderate thickness of the individual layers the texture is carried into each interface with a high degree of conformity even for the front contact which is the last layer. Solar cells on periodic structures show excellent performance; in a microcrystalline cell on a simple sinusoidal grating we achieved a gain in current density of 30%. Furthermore, the periodicity serves as a useful tool for the study of light management because the underlying phenomena like diffraction or grating coupling to plasma excitations of the metallic back reflector are governed by a relatively low number of well defined parameters like the periodicity and the amplitude of the grating.

Increasing the light harvesting efficiency (LHE) of photovoltaic devices is important for improving the conversion efficiency of solar light into electricity. The optical properties of mesoporous TiO2 films for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs) were investigated by varying the size of the particles (20–150 nm). A four–flux optical model was used to describe the light absorption and scattering within the film. Reflectance and transmittance spectra were recorded by a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. The wavelength-dependent absorption coefficient k(λ) and scattering coefficient s(λ) were determined for different films. The absorptance G(λ) (absorbed light flux) for films made of different particle sizes and of varying thicknesses can be calculated from these optical parameters. This study helps in improving the optical design of dye-sensitized solar cells.

This paper describes a new method to make surface textures for photovoltaic application. Using this method, we can make textures having various shapes. The first step is to make photo-resist (PR) molds using the polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film. The second step is to transfer the PR molds to silicon by inductively coupled plasma etching process. The final step is a solar cell fabrication process. The structure of the solar cell is simple Al Grid/c-Si/Al back contact. The solar cells show the increase of the short circuit current (Jsc) comparing to the planar cells. By this texturing method, we can get solar cells having various textures which we want to make.

Thin film silicon solar cells, consisting of an epitaxially grown active layer on a low quality highly doped silicon substrate, incorporate many attractive features usually associated with their sister cells based on bulk silicon. However, the efficiency of the current epitaxial semi-industrial screen printed cells is limited to 11-12% mainly due to optical shortcomings. This paper will give an overview of our work aimed at tackling the 2 most important problems: (i) Finding and implementing an adequate front surface texture and (ii) the simulation, fabrication and incorporation of an intermediate reflector.

The former issue has been addressed by the development of plasma texturing based on halogen species. This method allows us to fulfil the sometimes contradictory requirements for the textured surface, i.e. a uniform and reduced reflection, a strong lambertian character to scatter the light and a limited removal of silicon. It will be shown that the scattering efficiency is dependent on both the wavelength of the impinging light and on the silicon removal during the texturing process.

The second and main issue of this work is the limited absorption volume of the epitaxial layer. To resolve this drawback, an intermediate reflector is placed at the epi/substrate interface to enhance the path length of the low energy photons through the epi-layer. In practice, a multi-layer porous silicon stack is created by electrochemical anodization of the substrate. The reflection at the epi/reflector/substrate interface is a combination of several different effects including a Bragg mirror and Total Internal Reflection (TIR). Measurements of the external reflectance as well as extraction of the internal reflection parameters are used to clarify the issue. Advanced structures, including chirped porous silicon stacks, are introduced. Finally, the benefits of the reflector on the level of the epitaxial silicon solar cell are analysed. Efficiencies close to 14% are obtained for epitaxial cells incorporating an advanced porous Si reflector.