Enhanced Conversion Efficiency of GaAs Solar Cells Using Ag Nanoparticles

Abstract

We have studied the enhancement of conversion efficiency in GaAs solar cells using silver nanoparticles with particle average sizes between 11.4 to 17.2 nm. The maximum enhancement of 20.2% in conversion efficiency is achieved for the GaAs solar cells where the Ag nanoparticles have been incorporated. The simulations according to Mie theory suggest that the increased radiative scattering and conversion efficiency is due to a combined effect of the surface plasmon resonance and the interband transition.