Substrate effects on the transmittance of 1D metal grid transparent electrodes

The effect of the presence of substrates below metal grids on light transmission is investigated through finite-different time-domain (FDTD) simulations. Comparing grids on substrates with suspended grids, we identify the effects of the presence of substrates on the transmittances of metal grids. The presence of substrates below micron-scale grids has no specific effect on their transmittances; however, unexpected dips and flattened peaks in transmission spectra were observed in nano-scale grids. The figures of merits (FoMs) of metal grids are calculated using estimated transmittances and grid sheet resistances. Due to their lower resistances and higher transmittances, micron-scale grids show higher FoMs than nano-scale grids and, are thus promising transparent conducting electrode candidates. The best 1D grid electrode in this work exhibited a figure of merit, σ(dc)/σ(op), > 1000.