Simulation of the light trapping effects of Ag nanoparticles on plan silicon surface

A model was set to simulate the surface reflectance reduction by deposited Ag nanoparticles on plan silicon surface. Compared with the bare silicon surface, a dramatic reflectance reduction around 450 nm and 510 nm were observed. By a series of Mie theory calculations, the influences of dielectric constant of particles´ surrounding on the surface reflectance reduction and the particle size were investigated in detail. Due to the particle size have opposite influence on the scattering cross section and the scattering direction, that increasing particle size also has positive and negative effect on Si surface light trapping. And the increased dielectric constant value of particles´ surroundings could let more lights scattering forward to Si substrate. This study gives a theory support for improving light trapping of Ag assist Si solar cells.