Back-contacted BaSi₂ solar cells: an optical study.

We present the optical investigation of a novel back-contacted architecture for solar cells based on a thin barium (di)silicide (BaSi₂) absorber. First, through the analysis of absorption limits of different semiconducting materials, we show the potential of BaSi₂ for photovoltaic applications. Then, the proposed back contacted BaSi₂ solar cell design is investigated and optimized. An implied photocurrent density of 40.3 mA/cm² in a 1-μm thick absorber was achieved, paving the way for novel BaSi₂-based thin-film solar cells.