Ultra-thin metal films for enhanced solar absorption

Abstract

This paper presents modelled results for optical absorption in ultra-thin films of nickel, gold and silver across the solar spectrum. It is found that in the case of nickel there is an optimum thickness for maximum solar absorption around 10-13 nm. This is a result of the real and imaginary parts of its refractive index being of similar magnitude across the solar spectrum which gives rise to very strong thin film absorption.

Efficient Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Transparent Silver Electrode and Four-Terminal Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Device Exploration

“…Transparent silver (Ag) electrodes are promising candidates due to their advantages of simple evaporation process, facile process conditions, high conductivity, and relatively lower parasitic solar absorption than the gold film [27]. It has been proved in our previous works [28][29][30][31] and other reports [32][33][34] that the ultrathin Ag film with a suited optical coupling layer could meet the requirements of a transparent electrode.…”

Properties of nickel films growth by radio frequency magnetron sputtering at elevated substrate temperatures

“…Furthermore, Ni is a promising material for application in microelectronic devices because of its low electrical resistivity and high oxidation resistance [1]. Particularly, Ni possesses optical properties that are ideal for replacement of silver toward the preparation of cheaper mirrors for domestic use [2,3] as well as for use in solar thermal and solar thermionic applications-such properties allow for the fabrication of films that can exhibit excellent absorption over the entire solar spectrum [4]. Moreover, for such applications, the smooth surface, fine grain, and homogenous structure of Ni thin films are of critical importance.…”

On the hot pressing of coloured high-gold alloys powder compacts applied to the manufacturing of innovative jewellery items

“…Regarding high wavelengths, the reflectance was lower than that exhibited by the other alloys and the steep reflectance transition between low and high wavelengths could not be observed. The spectral reflectance curve of this alloy showed to be highly influenced by the presence of Ni as alloying element, once its behaviour is very similar to that exhibited by pure nickel [30].…”