One-dimensional photonic crystals (Si/SiO$_2$) for ultrathin film crystalline silicon solar cells

The performances of ultrathin film silicon solar cells are limited due to low light absorption and poor collection of charge carriers. In this work, we have designed and studied the one-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) and thin film silicon solar cells. For the simulation, the plane wave method (PWM) and rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) methods were used. First, we explored the analysis of bandgap, field distribution and the reflectivity of 1DPCs. Later, the optimized Si/SiO$_2$ 1DPC was integrated with the crystalline silicon solar cell as the back reflector and simulation was performed. The performance of designed solar cells showed the strong influence of 1DPC. The solar cell is integrated with the three distributed Bragg reflectors (5DBRs) at the bottom showed the best performance with its enhanced short circuit current and cell efficiency.