Plasmonic and photonic scattering and near fields of nanoparticles

Abstract

We theoretically compare the scattering and near field of nanoparticles from different types of materials, each characterized by specific optical properties that determine the interaction with light: metals with their free charge carriers giving rise to plasmon resonances, dielectrics showing zero absorption in wide wavelength ranges, and semiconductors combining the two beforehand mentioned properties plus a band gap. Our simulations are based on Mie theory and on full 3D calculations of Maxwell’s equations with the finite element method. Scattering and absorption cross sections, their division into the different order electric and magnetic modes, electromagnetic near field distributions around the nanoparticles at various wavelengths as well as angular distributions of the scattered light were investigated. The combined information from these calculations will give guidelines for choosing adequate nanoparticles when aiming at certain scattering properties. With a special focus on the integration into thin film solar cells, we will evaluate our results.

Concentrating light in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

“…There are numerous examples for these different effects and in [12] we provide a detailed investigation of various configurations of metallic and dielectric nanostructures in ultra-thin CIGSe solar cells and their potential for absorption enhancement. As already shown in [13], dielectric nanostructures are a highly promising alternative to metallic nanoparticles from an optical point of view and in addition they provide thermally and chemically stable structures suitable to be deposited prior to a high temperature absorber growth process. The integration of nanostructures at the rear interface has proven most effective for CIGSe solar cells since a direct contact to the absorber layer can be established and any influence on the pn-junction avoided.…”

Experimental identification of unique angular dependent scattering behavior of nanoparticles

“…This behaviour can be correlated to the large-angle scattering ability of plasmonic nanoparticles as shown in Fig. 3b, which is well known for individual metal nanoparticles and less pronounced for dielectric ones [14].…”

An efficient method for calculating the absorption enhancement in solar cells with integrated plasmonic and photonic nanoparticles

“…This gives the electromagnetic field both inside and outside the sphere at all distances from the sphere. For more information see [3]- [4]. Fig.…”