Numerical optimization of multilayer electrodes without indium for use in organic solar cells

Abstract : A numerical process is developed on a Transfer-Matrix Method (TMM) to calculate the optical properties of multilayers involved in thin film solar cells. Using the bulk complex refractive indices in a considered spectral range for each material allows us to calculate the transmittance of the whole structure and the intrinsic absorption inside the sole active layer. An optical optimization of oxide|metal|oxide trilayer electrode in the air and with a (poly-3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) bulk heterojunction based organic solar cell is performed. The ZnO|Ag|ZnO structure is specifically studied in order to avoid the use of indium in such photovoltaic components.