DataVXJournal of Photonics for EnergyPaper
journal article·2015-06-25Open access

Optimization of a spectrum splitter using differential evolution algorithm for solar cell applications

Li Fan, Muhammad Faryad, Greg D. Barber, Thomas E. Mallouk, Peter B. Monk, Akhlesh Lakhtakia

Journal of Photonics for Energy· Volume 5· Issue 1
Publisher pageOpen full text
Source abstract

Abstract

A spectrum splitter can be used to spatially multiplex different solar cells that have high efficiency in mutually exclusive parts of the solar spectrum. We investigated the use of a grating, comprising an array of dielectric cylinders embedded in a dielectric slab, for specularly transmitting one part of the solar spectrum while the other part is transmitted nonspecularly and the total reflectance is very low. A combination of (1) the rigorous coupled-wave approach for computing the reflection and transmission coefficients of the grating and (2) the differential evolution algorithm for optimizing the grating geometry and the refractive indices of dielectric materials was devised as a design tool. We used this tool to optimize two candidate gratings and obtained definite improvements to the initial guesses for the structural and constitutive parameters. Significant spectrum splitting can be achieved if the angle of incidence does not exceed 15 deg.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Optical Coatings and Gratings · solar cell performance optimization · Photonic and Optical Devices

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Affiliations

University of Delaware, Department of Mathematical Sciences, 501 Ewing Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States

Pennsylvania State University, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, 212 Earth-Engineering Science Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United StatescLahore University of Management Sciences, Department of Physics, SBASSE Complex, Opp

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment, 104 Chemistry Building Box #34, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United StatesePennsylvania State University, Department of Chemistry, 205 S. Frear Laboratory, Univers

Pennsylvania State University, Department of Chemistry, 205 S. Frear Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States

Pennsylvania State University, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, 212 Earth-Engineering Science Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States

References

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