Design Simulation and Parametric Investigation of a Metamaterial Light Absorber with Tungsten Resonator for Solar Cell Applications Using Silicon as Dielectric Layer

Abstract

The unit cell structure design and mathematical simulation models of a wideband Metamaterial Light Absorber (MLA) operating in visible range (450 – 750 THz) based on a tungsten metal, based on a Stepped Impedance Resonator (SIR) model is presented. The MLA is being analyzed for electron mobility to achieve significant light photon conversion to use this technology in solar cells for energy harvesting applications. A Metamaterial Light Absorber based on a three-layered metallic semiconductor optical thin film structure is proposed. The top metallic layer is made by Tungsten. Semiconductor layer is developed by silicon and the whole structure is developed over a glass substrate and the same procedure is validated using the Finite Element Method (FEM).The design was subjected to a number of parametric analysis in order to obtain the optimal physical dimension. The various analysis has also much elucidated the process of absorption. Based on the simulation model, the proposed MLA has two peak absorptions of 100 and 99% at 567 THz and 645 THz respectively. The positive light absorption is more than 75% from the frequency range of 545 to 680 THz and produced positive absorption over the whole visible spectrum (450 – 750 THz).The predicted electric field distributions indicate an increased wideband absorption is induced by the stimulation of local and propagating surface electrons and guiding mode resonances. The proposed MLA based on tungsten SIR has the potential to be used in solar cells, solar energy harvesters, solar thermo-PVs, etc.