Open AccessFDTD modeling of solar energy absorption in silicon branched nanowires
Author(s) -
Christin Lundgren,
René López,
Joan M. Redwing,
Kathleen L. Melde
Publication year - 2013
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.21.00a392
Subject(s) - finite difference time domain method , materials science , absorption (acoustics) , nanowire , optics , photovoltaic system , silicon , solar energy , optoelectronics , solar cell , solar cell efficiency , attenuation coefficient , thin film , absorption spectroscopy , nanotechnology , physics , ecology , composite material , biology
Thin film nanostructured photovoltaic cells are increasing in efficiency and decreasing the cost of solar energy. FDTD modeling of branched nanowire 'forests' are shown to have improved optical absorption in the visible and near-IR spectra over nanowire arrays alone, with a factor of 5 enhancement available at 1000 nm. Alternate BNW tree configurations are presented, achieving a maximum absorption of over 95% at 500 nm.