Enhancement of light absorption by ultra-thin film solar cells using graded gratings

In this study, we developed a novel method based on uniform and graded gratings on the front surface of ultrathin film Si solar cells to enhance light absorption. The proposed gratings were designed in two configurations comprising penetration into the active layer and placement on it. These structures enhance absorption by scattering and diffracting light, and enlarging the optical path for photons. Simulations based on the finite element method and finite difference time domain technique showed that the graded gratings could significantly enhance absorption in the visible and infrared regions. The maximum current density and efficiency achieved for graded gratings placed on the top surface of the active layer were 21.7 mA/cm2 and 23.9%, respectively (47.6% and 48.4% higher compared with the reference cell).