Simulation-based analysis of plasmonic light trapping in thin-film silicon solar cells

We summarize on two examples of simulation-based analyses of light trapping in prototype thin-film silicon solar cells with plasmonic back contacts. First, based on optical simulations, the plasmon-induced light scattering at Ag back contact with non-ordered nanostructures is explained. Second, optical simulations of solar cells with plasmonic reflection-grating back contacts are presented. The simulated and measured spectral response of these solar cells agree very well, allowing an optimization of the nanostructures and an in-depth analysis of the light-trapping.