Plasmonics for Improved Photovoltaic Devices

Several approaches have been adopted in the past for increasing the light absorption in photovoltaic solar cells. The introduction of a plasmonic layer of Ib metal nanoparticles (pure or embedded in a dielectric layer) has been recognized as a viable alternate approach for enhancing light absorption. The scattering from metal nanoparticles near their localized plasmon resonance seemed to be a promising way of increasing the light absorption in thin-film solar cells. Enhancements in photo current have been observed for a wide range of semiconductors and solar cell configurations. In this short note, a review of the experimental and theoretical progress that has been made in recent years, the basic mechanisms, and an outlook on future prospects in this area is presented.