Novel R2R Manufacturable Photonic-Enhanced Thin Film Solar Cells

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Lightwave worked with Iowa State University to develop novel solar energy products based on cutting-edge technologies. One such innovation, a photonic reflector backing, is essentially a tiny lattice of reflecting silver dots that replaces the reflecting backing on a standard solar cell. The lattice traps light at frequencies that boost the cells' ability to generate electricity from light. Furthermore, the cells are made with a nanocrystalline and amorphous silicon superlattice. Combining a superlattice with the photonic structure increases light absorption in a very thin silicon film. The amorphous silicon portion of the structure enhances light absorption; the nanocrystalline part helps to transport light-generated electrons. Using these breakthroughs, large-area thin sheets of repeating nano- and microsized structures can be designed to absorb, convert, re-emit, and guide light. These structures are generally made from common metals and dielectrics, and manufactured on flexible substrates using a roll-to-roll process, lowering manufacturing costs. Source: "MRC Researchers Boost Solar Cell Efficiencies," Iowa State University IPRT News. (Feb. 2011).