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The effects of geometry and horizontal positioning of ultrathin triangular silicon nanowires (SiNWs) on the function of solar cells (SCs) have been investigated. Two differentiated methods have been presented to improve the current density of SiNW-SCs. First, a semiperiodic array is used for better utilization of the optical antenna effect. In the second method, several NWs with different geometries are used to achieve broadband absorption. The key to increase absorption is irregularity. Therefore, maximum light absorption is achieved by introducing irregular NWs. A set of optimized irregular NWs have better properties compared to other broadband structures. Using irregular NW arrays, the increase in the absorption of SCs can be improved without applying more absorbent materials. Optimization processes are used to obtain the maximum current density of SCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design approaches to carry out broadband absorption in laterally assembled hexagonal silicon nanowire (NW) solar cells are investigated. Two different methods are proposed to improve the current density of silicon NW solar cells. It is observed that the key to the broadband absorption is disorder and irregularity. The first approach to reach the broadband absorption is using multiple NWs with different geometries. Nevertheless, the maximum enhancement is obtained by introducing irregular NWs. They can support more cavity modes, while scattering by NWs leads to broadening of the absorption spectra. An array of optimized irregular NWs also has preferable features compared to other broadband structures. Using irregular NW arrays, it is possible to improve the absorption enhancement of solar cells without introducing more absorbing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]