Silicon nanowire solar cells

Silicon nanowire-based solar cells on metal foil are described. The key benefits of such devices are discussed, followed by optical reflectance, current-voltage, and external quantum efficiency data for a cell design employing a thin amorphous silicon layer deposited on the nanowire array to form the p-n junction. A promising current density of similar to 1.6 mA/cm(2) for 1.8 cm(2) cells was obtained, and a broad external quantum efficiency was measured with a maximum value of similar to 12% at 690 nm. The optical reflectance of the silicon nanowire solar cells is reduced by one to two orders of magnitude compared to planar cells. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.