Light-trapping in solar cells by photonic nanostructures: The need for benchmarking and fabrication assessments

Light-trapping in solar cells by photonic nanostructures, e.g., nano-textured surfaces or metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles is a research area of great promise. A large multitude of configurations is being explored and there is a rising need for (a set of) assessment elements that help to narrow in on the most viable ones. This paper discusses two examples: benchmark devices and the assessment of fabrication aspects for the nanostructures.