Topology Optimization of Light Trapping Structures for Extra-Terrestrial Photovoltaic Devices

This paper presents an optimization framework for enhancing light absorption in extraterrestrial organic solar cells through the design of voids in the scattering layer. The approach aims to find the optimal distribution and size of cylindrical voids in the scattering layer of a light-trapping structure. The spectral performance of the structure is simulated using Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis, by which an overall absorption coefficient is computed. In the simulation framework, the scattering layer is modelled as a binary matrix where "1" denotes material and "0" denotes a void. This matrix serves as the design variable input for an evolutionary optimization algorithm tasked with identifying the optimal topology that maximizes absorption across selected solar wavelengths and under representative angles of incidence. The optimized topologies are found to improve the power generation of the cell under various operating conditions. Overall, the findings are promising to advance the design of efficient, low-mass solar cells for space applications via topology optimization of scattering layers.