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Improved method for reducing reflection by multi-layer anti-reflection coatings with optimized nanoporous layer
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
posted on 07/28/2008
Proven better method for reducing reflection uses multiple layers of anti-reflection coating and, through use of nanoporous layers and variety in the number, thickness, and refractive index layers, coating specifications can vary for different applications.
Suggested Uses
- Image sensors
- Solar Cells
- Optics, including digital cameras
Advantages
- Significantly reduces reflection from the surface of solar cells from ~17.3% to ~5.9% (traditional AR coating compared with improved coating)
- Accounts for a wide range of wavelengths and angles
- Application-specific optimization of coating parameters
Detailed Description
The reflective surface of solar cells is a fundamental impediment to their ability to absorb and, thus, is an impediment to their effectiveness. This problem has in the past been somewhat improved through application of a single layer anti-reflection (AR) coating and, to further reduce reflection, through surface texturing.
RPI researchers found that reflection could be significantly reduced through using multiple layers of AR coating and through including at least one nanoporous layer. Determining the specific parameters of these layers has posed a problem in the past because of the great expense required to evaluate the variables for a given structure, but the use of a non-analytical algorithm, such as genetic algorithm, identifies each layer’s optimal parameters, including thickness and refractive index.
File Number: RPI-1210
Web site: http://www.rpitechnology.com
Other Information:
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