Optical Optimization of Passivated GaAs Nanowire Solar Cells

We utilize rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) to optimize the optical design of of GaAs nanowire solar cells. RCWA is highly accurate while being less computationally expensive than competing techniques. Using a simplex optimization method, we determine the optimal device geometries that maximize photocurrent density for bare nanowires and contacted nanowires in a dielectric material with a top ITO contact, finding agreement with previous work. We extend these results to include passivating shells, which are required for efficient devices. These optimizations give important guidance for geometric design of nanowire solar cell devices.