Article
 

Numerical Modeling of Sub-Wavelength Anti-Reflective Structures for Solar Module Applications

Public Deposited

Downloadable Content

Download PDF
https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/articles/8336h377f

Descriptions

Attribute NameValues
Creator
Abstract
  • This paper reviews the current progress in mathematical modeling of anti-reflective subwavelength structures. Methods covered include effective medium theory (EMT), finite-difference time-domain (FDTD), transfer matrix method (TMM), the Fourier modal method (FMM)/rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) and the finite element method (FEM). Time-based solutions to Maxwell’s equations, such as FDTD, have the benefits of calculating reflectance for multiple wavelengths of light per simulation, but are computationally intensive. Space-discretized methods such as FDTD and FEM output field strength results over the whole geometry and are capable of modeling arbitrary shapes. Frequency-based solutions such as RCWA/FMM and FEM model one wavelength per simulation and are thus able to handle dispersion for regular geometries. Analytical approaches such as TMM are appropriate for very simple thin films. Initial disadvantages such as neglect of dispersion (FDTD), inaccuracy in TM polarization (RCWA), inability to model aperiodic gratings (RCWA), and inaccuracy with metallic materials (FDTD) have been overcome by most modern software. All rigorous numerical methods have accurately predicted the broadband reflection of ideal, graded-index anti-reflective subwavelength structures; ideal structures are tapered nanostructures with periods smaller than the wavelengths of light of interest and lengths that are at least a large portion of the wavelengths considered.
  • Keywords: FDTD, Effective medium theory, RCWA, Optical modeling, Sub-wavelength, Antireflective
License
Resource Type
DOI
Date Available
Date Issued
Citation
  • Han, K., & Chang, C. (2014). Numerical modeling of sub-wavelength anti-reflective structures for solar module applications. Nanomaterials, 4(1), 87-128. doi:10.3390/nano4010087
Journal Title
Journal Volume
  • 4
Journal Issue/Number
  • 1
Rights Statement
Funding Statement (additional comments about funding)
  • Financial support from National Science Foundation STTR Phase II grant with CSD Nano Inc.,Oregon BEST, the Microproducts Breakthrough Institute, Oregon State University College ofEngineering, and the Rickert Engineering Fellowship.
Publisher
Peer Reviewed
Language
Replaces

Relationships

Parents:

This work has no parents.

Items

Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Visibility Actions
file details HanKatherineChemBiolEnvironEngineeringNumericalModelingSub-Wavelength.pdf 07/25/2017 Public
file details HanKatherineChemBiologEnviroEngineeringNumericalModelingSub-Wavelength (SupplementaryInformation).pdf 07/25/2017 Public