Diffractive light-trapping transparent electrodes using zero-order suppression

Abstract A light-trapping transparent electrode design based on sub-surface binary dielectric gratings is introduced and demonstrated experimentally. The structure consists of metallic wires patterned with an array silicon nanobeams. Optimization the grating geometry achieves selective suppression zero-order diffraction, while enabling redirection incident light to angle that exceeds critical local environment. Subsequent total-internal reflection allows recovery initially metal wire. Experiments involving amorphous gold demonstrate a efficiency exceeding 41 %. Modeling crystalline nanobeams silver suggests shadowing loss reduction 82 % feasible. achievement large using coplanar high manufacturing tolerance polarization-insensitive optical response makes this promising candidate for integration in wide range real-world photonic devices.