Efficiency enhancement in thin-film solar cells by silver nanoparticles

Surface plasmon enhancement effect of the metallic nanoparticles has the potential to enhance the efficiency of thin film solar cells. In this study, by using a simple method, silver nanoparticle effect was observed on the reflectivity, quantum efficiency and the spectral response of the solar cell. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple method: magnetron sputtering and subsequent annealing within the sputtering system. The absorption enhancement was observed in the ~ 600-800 nm spectra range. This enhancement can be attributed to photon scattering by the surface plasmon generated in the silver nanoparticles.