Raytracing and electromagnetic 2-D simulations of the EQE of a-Si:H thin-film solar cells

Thin-film amorphous silicon solar cells depend on light confinement techniques to improve their efficiency. The dual nature of light (wave-particle) compels the use of advanced simulation tools to model these optic phenomena. In the present research work we obtained the external quantum efficiency curve of a degraded cell following two methods: first considered light as a particle and subsequently, simulated it as a wave. The first case consisted of a Monte Carlo raytracing simulation, whereas in the second one we employed an electromagnetic wave finite-difference time-domain software, which solves thoroughly Maxwell equations. The fitting with the experimental is overall good with both procedures. Nonetheless, the interference effects can only be seen with the second tool.