A simple two-layer broadband metamaterial absorber for solar cells

A broadband absorber composed of silicon rods and nickel ground is proposed in the visible band. The absorption above 98% can be obtained in the frequency range of [Formula: see text] THz with strong polarization independence and angle independence. The impedance matching theory and field distributions of eigenmodes are used to analyze the physical mechanism of the broadband absorption. The absorber has a simple structure with only two layers, which is composed of silicon and nickel. Nickel is a non-precious metal, which is cheaper than the precious metal materials commonly used in metamaterial absorber. The proposed cost-effective absorber with simple structure has great potential in the application of solar cells.