Dual-band perfect metamaterial absorber for solar cell applications

• Dual-band perfect metamaterial absorber for solar cell applications.
• Novel design for visible, infrared, and ultraviolet frequencies.
• The impact of the geometrical parameters on the absorption capability.
• Polarization angle independency for the applied electromagnetic wave.

The efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells has been one of the major problems impeding its global adoption as one of the sustainable substitutes to fossil fuel based technologies. Metamaterial (MTM) based solar cells offer an opportunity towards increasing the system efficiency by enhancing the total absorbed solar radiation incident on this device. In this study, a nanostructure-based MTM perfect absorber has been designed and simulated. By adjusting geometrical parameters and MTM structure properties, nearly perfect dual-band absorptions have been obtained with 99.99% and 99.90% absorption at 543.75 THz and 663.75 THz, respectively. The proposed structure is simple and more flexible for scaling, which helps achievement of multiple-band absorption. Implementation of the intended MTM structure can effectively lead to the realization of more efficient PV solar cells.