Enhancement of GdVO4:Eu3+ red fluorescence through plasmonic effect of silver nanoprisms on Si solar cell surface

A comprehensive study on deposition and conjugation of red emitting phosphor (GdVO4:Eu3+) and silver nanoprisms (Ag NP) on commercial single crystal silicon solar cell surface has been done to establish the optimum dielectric separating layer (PVA) sequence between consecutive species through confocal fluorescence mapping and spectroscopy. Results show that up to 310% fluorescence enhancement could be achieved in optimal arrangement of emitter, PVA and Ag NP layers on Si cell surface. The current work shows the potential of plasmon enhanced down shifting fluorescence of rare-earth doped vanadate in enhancing performance of SiPV devices.