Equivalent Optical Models for Light-Trapping Si Solar Cells

Nine possible light trapping structures for silicon solar cells are identified. Three optical models are derived from the Basore optical model to be used in most of such structures. The three optical models are equivalent to each other at near-bandgap wavelengths and allow neglecting front-surface internal reflectance in calculating optical absorptance and quantum efficiency. The light propagation angle calculated in a textured-front/flat-rear structure with the new optical models is checked by using internal quantum efficiency data to evaluate internal rear reflectance in a reported textured solar cell.