Photocurrent enhancements in amorphous silicon solar cells by embedded metallic nanoparticles

In this paper, we report an effective and simple method of enhancing light trapping in a-Si:H solar cells by placing Au nanoparticles at the interface between a-Si:H solar cells and top ITO contact. Compared to a similar cell without embedded Au nanoparticles, a 42.7% increase in energy conversion efficiency and a 49.1% increase in short circuit current density are observed. AFM measurements prove that Au nanoparticles are successfully embedded at the interface between a-Si:H solar cells and top ITO contact.