Resonant Nanophotonic Spectrum Splitting for Ultrathin Multijunction Solar Cells

ACS Photonics
Sander A Mann, Erik C Garnett

Abstract

We present an approach to spectrum splitting for photovoltaics that utilizes the resonant optical properties of nanostructures for simultaneous voltage enhancement and spatial separation of different colors of light. Using metal-insulator-metal resonators commonly used in broadband metamaterial absorbers we show theoretically that output voltages can be enhanced significantly compared to single-junction devices. However, the approach is general and works for any type of resonator with a large absorption cross section. Due to its resonant nature, the spectrum splitting occurs within only a fraction of the wavelength, as opposed to traditional spectrum splitting methods, where many wavelengths are required. Combining nanophotonic spectrum splitting with other nanophotonic approaches to voltage enhancements, such as angle restriction and concentration, may lead to highly efficient but deeply subwavelength photovoltaic devices.

References

Feb 20, 2010·Nature Materials·Harry A Atwater, Albert Polman
Feb 22, 2012·Nature Materials·Albert Polman, Harry A Atwater
Jun 21, 2012·Optics Express·Michael G NielsenSergey I Bozhevolnyi
Oct 4, 2012·Physical Review Letters·A NivX Zhang
Jan 10, 2013·Nano Letters·Pengyu FanMark L Brongersma
Feb 8, 2013·Optics Express·Sunil SandhuShanhui Fan
Jun 14, 2013·Nano Letters·Sander A Mann, Erik C Garnett
Apr 23, 2014·Nature Materials·Mark L BrongersmaShanhui Fan

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Citations

Apr 10, 2020·Nanoscale Research Letters·Yuyin LiGuiqiang Liu
Oct 3, 2017·Nano Letters·Sebastian Z OenerErik C Garnett

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