Abstract
Aperiodic Nanowire (NW) arrays have higher absorption than equivalent periodic arrays, making them of interest for photovoltaic applications. An inevitable property of aperiodic arrays is the clustering of some NWs into closer proximity than in the equivalent periodic array. We focus on the modes of such clusters and show that the reduced symmetry associated with cluster formation allows external coupling into modes which are dark in periodic arrays, thus increasing absorption. To exploit such modes fully, arrays must include tightly clustered NWs that are unlikely to arise from fabrication variations but must be created intentionally.
Highlights
Well-designed nanostructures are known to strongly enhance the absorption of photovoltaic devices [1,2,3,4,5], thereby allowing for the reduction of the active layer thickness to only a few micrometers
We focus on the modes of such clusters and show that the reduced symmetry associated with cluster formation allows external coupling into modes which are dark in periodic arrays, increasing absorption
The associated symmetry lowering leads to the coupling of plane waves into a previous inaccessible mode, thereby significantly increasing the array’s absorption
Summary
Well-designed nanostructures are known to strongly enhance the absorption of photovoltaic devices [1,2,3,4,5], thereby allowing for the reduction of the active layer thickness to only a few micrometers. This significantly reduces costs, as less material is used and the material quality requirements are eased by shorter charge extraction distances. The importance of clustered NWs was highlighted by Lin and Povinelli [16], who showed strong field concentrations within NW clusters at peak absorption wavelengths
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