Numerical Simulation of InGaN Solar Cells with Embedded Metallic Nanoparticles for Efficiency Enhancement

By using the three-dimensional (3D) finite element method, we numerically investigate the localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance and scattering effects of embedded nanoparticles (NPs) on efficiency enhancement of InGaN solar cells. The light source adopted is the AM1.5G solar spectrum. The solar cell structure consists of five layers, an ITO layer as the top contact, an n-GaN layer, an i-InGaN photoactive layer, a p-GaN layer, and an Al layer as the back contact, respectively. We embed Ag NPs in the InGaN layer, then the generation of LSP resonance and scattering can produce a high field distribution in the InGaN layer for enhancing absorption of light. To calculate the light absorption and carrier transport of the solar cell with Ag NPs, we use the simulation tool COMSOL to realize the 3D finite element method. Through numerical simulation, the results indicate that the LSP resonance can be tuned by changing some parameters of NPs, such as size, shape and period. Also, the scattering effect can be controlled at a desirable wavelength in a similar way. Finally, we investigate the overall power conversion efficiency for the solar cells with aid of the embedded Ag NPs. It can be roughly increased from 10.87 % to 13.98 % with a relative enhancement of 29 %.