Numerical study of a wide-angle polarization-independent ultra-broadband efficient selective metamaterial absorber for near-ideal solar thermal energy conversion

Abstract

= 95.6%), which is particularly useful in solar steam generation. Detailed studies are also performed for higher operating temperatures, which indicates efficient solar thermal conversions also can be well maintained by tuning geometric parameters at higher temperatures. Taking into consideration of the practical application, even with ±60 degrees angle of incidence, average absorptivity higher than 90% can be still obtained in the whole solar spectrum at both TE and TM polarization. The near-perfect absorption, wide angle, polarization independence, spectral selectivity and high tunability make this solar absorber promising for practical applications in solar energy harvesting.