On Understanding the Enhancement of Optical Absorption in Nanostructure Photovoltaic Solar Cells

Understanding the enhancement of optical absorption in nanostructure photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, specifically GaAs core-shell nanopillar arrays, is accomplished through the full-wave electromagnetic characterization of the optical electric fields. Inherent advantageous electromagnetic properties of reduced reflection, increased absorption, and angle of incidence independence can be understood through the absorption mechanism that is a function of the interaction of the incident electric field with the nanopillar structure, materials, and configuration. The role of nanopillar structure versus the role of the nanopillar materials in optical absorption will be revealed by comparing nanopillars using purely perfectly electric conducting (PEC) materials with that of nanopillars using semiconductor material. Also, further development of nanopillar design will be suggested from an absorption aspect.