Optical Response of 3D Nano-Architecture Solar Cells and Integration with 3D Device Physics

We study the optical response of various nanojunction solar cell architectures and examine how various cylindrical arrangements of emitter, base, glass and transparent conductor affect reflection and absorption of incident light. The photogeneration profiles of such nano-architectures are cylindrically asymmetric, varying axially, radially and azimuthally within the wavelength band investigated. Such 3D profiles require 3D device models for accurate device analysis. The extended nanojunction configuration was examined in more detail, as this design is known to have superior performance. The particular design consists of nanostructured glass and a superstrate arrangement of the other device elements.