We demonstrate an enhanced photo-sensitivity (PS) through an increased light-trapping using surface nano-structuring technique by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching on multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) etch masked Si with hexamethyl-disilazane (HMDS) dispersion. In order for a systematic comparison, four samples are prepared, respectively, by conventional photolithography and ICP etchi...

We suggest a new type of efficient light-trapping structures for thin-film solar cells based on arrays of planar nanoantennas operating far from their plasmon resonances. The operation principle of our structures relies on the excitation of collective modes of the nanoantenna arrays whose electric field is localized between the adjacent metal elements. We calculate a substantial enhancement of ...

The photovoltaics (PV) market represents the fastest growing renewable energy technology, with a 35% annual growth rate, which is projected to be worth $150B by 2018.[1] The global cumulative installed PV capacity has exceeded 140 GW in 2013 and is generating 160 TWh/year of electricity, representing 0.85% of worldwide electricity demand. At the present growth rate, it is projected that over 20...

Conventional light-trapping theory, based on a ray-optics approach, was developed for standard thick photovoltaic cells. The classical theory established an upper limit for possible absorption enhancement in this context and provided a design strategy for reaching this limit. This theory has become the foundation for light management in bulk silicon PV cells, and has had enormous influence on t...

We report on the design, fabrication, and measurement of ultrathin film a-Si:H solar cells with nanostructured plasmonic back contacts, which demonstrate enhanced short circuit current densities compared to cells having flat or randomly textured back contacts. The primary photocurrent enhancement occurs in the spectral range from 550 nm to 800 nm. We use angle-resolved photocurrent spectroscopy...

With attention to the thin film structure of colloidal quantum dot solar cells, in this paper in order to improvement of active layer absorption of them, we have proposed the use of nanostructure pattern for enhancement of their performance. For this purpose we have presented suitable nano hemisphare patterns in colloidal quantum dot solar cells for light trapping in absorption layer. Then with...

For dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), the fundamental process that determines the maximum short-circuit current is the absorption of light. In such devices, this is produced by the concurrent phenomena of light absorption by dye molecules and light trapping in the mesoporous, titania photoanode structure. The decoupling of these two phenomena is important for device characterization and the de...

Introduction to light forces, atom cooling, and atom trapping.

"Rainbow trapping" has been proposed as a scheme for localized storage of broadband electromagnetic radiation in metamaterials and plasmonic heterostructures. Here, we articulate the dispersion and power flow characteristics of rainbow trapping structures, and show that tapered waveguide structures composed of dielectric core and metal cladding are best suited for light trapping. A metal-insula...

We demonstrate the use of holographic optical tweezers for trapping particles in air, specifically aerosol droplets. We show the trapping and manipulation of arrays of liquid aerosols as well as the controlled coagulation of two or more droplets. We discuss the ability of spatial light modulators to manipulate airborne droplets in real time as well as highlight the difficulties associated with ...