Enhanced efficiency of silicon-based solar cell by surface plasmon resonance effects over device electrode

W demonstrate a technique for improving the conversion efficiency in conventional silicon (Si) solar cells by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects to harvest incident light energy over metal finger electrodes. Although the light absorption region beneath the metal finger electrodes cannot generate photocurrent, in this study, we employ the extraordinary transmission phenomenon, due to SPR effects, to significantly enhance the degree of light harvesting below the metal electrodes and, thereby, improve the efficiency of the entire solar cell. Therefore, the negative effect of covering the absorption area with opaque metal finger electrodes can be minimized or eliminated completely by taking advantage of the SPR effect of the metal electrodes.