Open AccessComparison and optimization of randomly textured surfaces in thin-film solar cells
Author(s) -
Carsten Rockstuhl,
Stephan Fahr,
Karsten Bittkau,
Thomas Beckers,
R. Carius,
FranzJosef Haug,
T. Söderström,
Christophe Ballif,
F. Lederer
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.00a335
Subject(s) - optics , scattering , materials science , haze , thin film , diffraction , light scattering , absorption (acoustics) , surface (topology) , optoelectronics , physics , nanotechnology , mathematics , geometry , meteorology
Using rigorous diffraction theory we investigate the scattering properties of various random textures currently used for photon management in thin-film solar cells. We relate the haze and the angularly resolved scattering function of these cells to the enhancement of light absorption. A simple criterion is derived that provides an explanation why certain textures operate more beneficially than others. Using this criterion we propose a generic surface profile that outperforms the available substrates. This work facilitates the understanding of the effect of randomly textured surfaces and provides guidelines towards their optimization.