Ultralight-trapping filters with volume reflection holograms

Deming Zhang, Juan M. Russo, Michael Gordon, Shelby Vorndran, Raymond K. Kostuk

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Light trapping is a useful approach for increasing the absorption of thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells. Simple light trapping can be achieved by incorporating a scattering layer on the top and bottom surface of cells and can increase absorption by a factor of 4n2. Recently, ultralight trapping using Rugate and 1-D photonic bandgap filters have been proposed to increase light trapping by a factor of 4n2 /sin2θ, where θ is half of the acceptance angle. In this paper, we present the design of a holographic ultralight trapping filter. The holographic filter can be implemented in large areas at a low cost, which makes it scalable for PV applications. A design is presented that increases the optical path length for near bandgap wavelengths in a thin-film silicon PV cell. The optical path length enhancement is converted to electrical output using the PC-1D simulation software. The short-circuit current for a 10-μm-thick silicon PV cell increases by nearly 14.7% relative to a cell without light trapping.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2012 IEEE 38th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
EditionPART 2
ISBN (Print)9781467328883
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Event2012 IEEE 38th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012 - Austin, TX, United States
Duration: Jun 3 2012Jun 8 2012

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
NumberPART 2
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Other

Other2012 IEEE 38th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin, TX
Period6/3/126/8/12

Keywords

  • Holographic optical element
  • light trapping
  • photovoltaic (PV)
  • thin-film silicon solar cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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