Monte Carlo simulation of surface light scattering in nanocrystalline silicon thin films and solar cells

The enhanced optical absorption in nanocrystalline silicon films analysed by Constant Photocurrent Method (CPM) mainly in infrared region is due a longer optical path as a result of an efficient diffuse light scattering at the textured film surface. We tried to simulate this phenomenon by introducing the influence of the film thickness on the optical absorption. This simulation is based on Monte Carlo methods. It pointed to the conclusion that the optical absorption is inversely proportional to the film thickness. This result is very promising in photovoltaic applications. Surface light scattering effect is a key characteristic of efficient thin-film-silicon solar cells.