Aperiodic optical coatings for neutral-color semi-transparent organic photovoltaics

Semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) have the potential for integration with windows for ubiquitous power generating applications. Typically, such applications require that ST-OPVs be neutrally transparent across the visible and exhibit both a high average photopic transmittance (APT) and color rendering index, as well as iso-energetic chromaticity coordinates. In this work, we demonstrate the design and use of optical coatings to achieve ST-OPVs with a neutral visible transmittance of APT=50%, a power conversion efficiency of 8.3%, and optical properties that are independent of a +/- 30 degrees variation in the solar angle of incidence. These simple optical coatings are rapidly designed using a genetic algorithm and transfer matrix formalism.

Automated summary

In this study, optical coatings were utilized to design semi-transparent organic photovoltaics with neutral visible transmittance, high power conversion efficiency, and optical properties independent of variations in solar angle of incidence. The coatings were rapidly designed using a genetic algorithm and transfer matrix formalism, demonstrating the potential for efficient and versatile power generating applications.