Enhanced Photoemission Performance of InGaN Inclined Nanowire Array.

Abstract

We propose to improve the solar energy utilization by using InGaN inclined nanowire array photocathodes. We first study vertical nanowire array. On the basis of vertical nanowire array, we study inclined nanowires by changing the inclination angle of nanowires. The inclined nanowires exhibit higher quantum efficiency at larger period and larger inclination angle. However, the infinite expansion of period will cause its performance to degrade. The quantum efficiency of inclined nanowires with a period of 175 nm and an inclination angle of 5.35° is as high as 80.2% when the incident light angle is irradiated at 5°. In addition, applying an electric field can improve the collection efficiency of inclined nanowires and help them maintain a high collection efficiency over a longer wavelength range. The design principles proposed in this work will provide a theoretical reference for the performance improvement of InGaN photocathodes.