The effect of angle of incidence on the optical field distribution within thin film organic solar cells

The optical field within an organic solar cell is the result of thin film interference effects which become more complex at higher angles of incidence. We use optical modeling to study the optical field at oblique incidence. Our findings include an expansion of the interference pattern, a significant intensity of p-polarized light at the cathode interface, and a strong dependence on indium tin oxide and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) thicknesses for single wavelengths. Applications to current research are presented including recent misconceptions in the literature and suggestions for new research.