Polarization insensitive four pentagonal ring-shaped metamaterial absorber for solar energy harvesting

Abstract

Solar Energy harvesting is the procedure by which energy is derived directly from sunlight that is an amazing natural resource. Sunlight is the cleanest and most bounteous sustainable power source and at the same time, it is renewable. The existing system of solar energy absorption uses the photovoltaic, thermophotovoltaic system which may be complex in terms of size, efficiency, installation process, and so on. Metamaterial absorbers can provide superior technology to overcome the weakness of the traditional system and also utilize this natural resource to the highest extent. In light of this, a metamaterial absorber design based on four pentagonal-ring shaped patches on its metallic separator has been introduced here. Keeping the design in order, two unique combinations of natural materials are elaborated where numerical result ensures a higher absorption rate in the terahertz region. Both metamaterial absorber designs provide above 99% absorption rate at 135 THz and above 95% absorption rate at 380 THz. At 380-410 THz it exhibits above 90% absorption rate while their thickness is only 180nm. This absorber design becomes more pleasing when it provides polarization insensitivity.