A spectrum splitter can be used to spatially multiplex different solar cells that have high efficiency in mutually exclusive parts of the solar spectrum. We investigated the use of a surface-relief grating made of dielectric materials for specularly transmitting one part of the solar spectrum while the other part is transmitted nonspecularly and the total reflectance is very low. A combination ...

In this paper, we present the design and fabrication of hybrid dielectric-metallic back surface reflectors, for applications in thin film amorphous silicon solar cells. Standard multilayer distributed Bragg reflectors, require a large number of layers in order to achieve high reflectance characteristics. As it turns out, the addition of a metallic layer, to the base of such a multilayer mirror,...

Silicon nanowire-based solar cells on metal foil are described. The key benefits of such devices are discussed, followed by optical reflectance, current-voltage, and external quantum efficiency data for a cell design employing a thin amorphous silicon layer deposited on the nanowire array to form the p-n junction. A promising current density of 1.6 mA /cm2 for 1.8 cm2 cells was obtained, and a ...

This work demonstrates the high potential of Al2O3 passivated black silicon in high efficiency Interdigitated Back Contacted (IBC) solar cells by reducing surface reflectance without jeopardizing surface passivation. Very low reflectance values, below 0.7% in the 300-1000 nm wavelength range, together with striking surface recombination velocities values of 17 and 5 cm/s on pand n-type crystall...

To improve the interpretation of surface cryospheric albedo from satellite sensor data, diurnal measurements of the spectral bi-directional reflectance of a commonly-found fresh-water ice type were made, from which hemispherical reflectance can be derived. The purpose of this study is to document its clear-sky, bi-directional reflectance characteristics in the visible (650--670 nm) and near-inf...

Reflectance of red (656-705 nm) and infrared (776-826 nm) solar radiation and standing crop biomass were measured in three salt marsh communities at intervals of approximately 2 weeks between February and August 1974. Red reflectance declined at the onset of greening in each community and was correlated with standing crop of green biomass. Infrared reflectance increased substantially in the shr...

Es t ima te s of snow grain size for the near-surface snow layer were calculated for the Tioga Pass region and Mammoth Mountain in the Sierra Nevada, California, using an inversion technique and data collected by the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (A VIRIS). The inversion method takes advantage of the sensitivity of near-infrared snowpack reflectance to snow grain size. The Tiog...

Applications for optical diffusers in space projects are presented which include the functions of reflection, transmittance, and collection. These modes encompass such diverse uses as temperature regulation and ozone concentration monitors. Discussed is the cooperative aspect of diffuse reflectance and environmental stability. Magnesium oxide, sodium chloride and barium sulphate are evaluated i...

A low-cost field goniometer was constructed for multiangular reflectance measurements using a spectral radiometer. The goniometer consists of a circular base made of plywood approximately 4 m in diameter. A rotating arch carries a sled with the radiometer, which can be positioned at any angle relative to the test object at the center of the goniometer. Data from the radiometer are downloaded to...

Here we describe a technique to exploit the differential atmospheric paths sampled by ATSR-2 imagery to separate the contributions from atmospheric aerosol and land surface scattering, for the solar reflective channels. The result is an image of the land surface reflectance, relatively uncontaminated by atmospheric scattering, and a separate image of the atmospheric aerosol loading. A general m...