Asymmetric Transparent Conductive Layer for Solar Cell Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells with transparent conductive oxide front electrodes have a rough surface that scatters incident sunlight, reducing the optical path length in the active layer and limiting the efficiency of solar energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A transparent conductive layer structure comprising a first textured layer with wave crests and troughs, and a second layer with asymmetric thickness on the inclined planes of the first layer, formed using glancing angle deposition to enhance optical haze and photon path length, improving light scattering and carrier transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rough surface TCO front electrode is used to scatter incident sunlight, then light path in active layer is increased, but optical haze is reduced and photo-electron conversion efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating a multi-layer transparent conductive structure where the second and third TCO layers have different thicknesses (t2 ≠ t3). This asymmetric thickness distribution on the inclined planes of the textured first layer generates enhanced optical haze through controlled light scattering, while maintaining improved photo-electron conversion efficiency by optimizing the light path length in the active layer.
2Productivity
If a textured structure with wave crests and troughs is created, then light scattering is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the front electrode into multiple TCO layers (first, second, and third layers) with distinct functions. The first layer provides the textured structure for light scattering, while the second and third layers with asymmetric thicknesses optimize optical haze. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, managing manufacturing complexity while achieving enhanced light scattering efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The structure significantly increases optical haze and photo-electron conversion efficiency, enhancing the performance of solar cells by increasing the optical path length and improving carrier transportation.
Implementation Method 1
A TCO having a rough surface can scatter incident sunlight and thus increase light path of photons in an active layer of a solar cell
Implementation Method 2
formed using glancing angle deposition to enhance optical haze and photon path length
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent conductive structure is disclosed, including a first transparent conductive layer and a second transparent conductive layer on the first transparent conductive layer, wherein the first transparent conductive layer has a textured structure including wave crests and wave troughs and the second layer has an asymmetric thickness on inclined planes of the wave crests or the wave troughs of the first transparent conductive layer.