Metal-dielectric hybrid surfaces as integrated optoelectronic interfaces with high optical transmittance and low sheet resistance

Stanford researchers at the Cui Lab have designed a self-aligned hybrid metal-dielectric surface that offers unparalleled performance in applications where both a transparent contact and a photon management texture are needed. Current applications include the front surface of solar cells, photodetectors, camera sensors, and LEDs.
The team has developed a prototype of silicon nanopillars protruding through a patterned gold film. Despite high metal coverage (> 60%), this design had extremely high absorption (>97%) and low sheet resistance of 16 Ohm/sq. This design can be easily implemented in multiple metal-semiconductor systems using a simple one-step fabrication process.

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Stanford News, November 25, 2015
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