Open AccessDiffractive nanostructures for enhanced light-harvesting in organic photovoltaic devices
Author(s) -
Jan Mayer,
Benjamin Gallinet,
Ton Offermans,
R. Ferrini
Publication year - 2015
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.24.00a358
Subject(s) - materials science , grating , optics , fabrication , optoelectronics , organic solar cell , photovoltaic system , absorption (acoustics) , diffraction grating , photovoltaics , solar cell , diffraction efficiency , composite material , polymer , medicine , ecology , physics , alternative medicine , pathology , biology
We present in-coupling gratings for improving the performance of thin film organic solar cells. The impact of the grating on the absorption in the active layer is modeled and explained using a standard cell architecture. An increase in absorption of 14.8% is predicted and is shown to be independent from the active material. The structure is then applied on blade-coated devices and yields an efficiency improvement of 12%. The angular behavior of the structures is measured showing superior performance for two dimensional gratings. By simulating the current generation for different angles and illumination conditions, we predict a total yearly increase of the generated current of 12% using an optimized grating. The fabrication of these structures, moreover, is compatible with roll-to-roll production techniques, thus making them an optimal solution for printed photovoltaics.