Two dimensional metallic photonic crystals for light trapping and anti-reflective coatings in thermophotovoltaic applications

Abstract

We report the development of a front-side contact design for thermophotovoltaics that utilizes metallic photonic crystals (PhCs). While this front-side grid replacement covers more surface area of the semiconductor, a higher percentage of photons is shown to be converted to usable power in the photodiode. This leads to a 30% increase in the short-circuit current of the gallium antimonide thermophotovoltaic cell.