In part 3 of this course, we will focus on optics concepts and light trapping strategies in order to maximize light absorption in a solar cell.

The most basic idea of light management is how to capture the most light with the least amount of material in a solar cell. More light means more energy and less material means lower cost. We will start with the fundamental optics concepts necessary to understand how to trap light. We will discuss the behaviour of light in a medium and at the interface of two different media. Then we will explore some strategies and advanced light trapping concepts that are employed by solar cell designers to optimize light absorption in the absorber layer of solar cells.

At the end of this part you will be able to identify the optical loss mechanisms in solar cells, quantify the optical performance of solar cells and design an optimal solar cell from a light management perspective.