  A new strategy for eliminating photocurrent losses due to the metal contacts
on the front of a solar cell was proposed, simulated, and tested. By placing
triangular cross-section lines of low refractive index on top of the contacts,
total-internal reflection at the interface of the low-index triangles and the
surrounding material can direct light away from the metal and into the
photoactive absorber. Simulations indicated that losses can be eliminated for
any incident angle, and that yearly energy production improvements commensurate
with the metallized area are possible. Proof of principle experiments were
carried out to eliminate the reflective losses of a commercial solar cell's
busbar contact. Spatially resolved laser beam induced current measurements
demonstrated that reflection losses due to the busbar were reduced by voids
with triangular cross-section.
