Patent attributes
A solar cell includes a waveguide core for receiving light, a first layer formed on the waveguide core, a second layer formed on the first layer, a third layer formed on the second layer, first metalization coupled to the first layer, and second metalization coupled to the third layer. The first layer comprises a first optical film which varies in an index of refraction in a lateral direction between a first input end where the light is received and a first output end where the light is emitted. In some embodiments, wherein one or more of the first, second, or third layers has a tapered lateral thickness. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third layers form a PIN device. In some embodiments, the waveguide core has a first index of refraction that is lower than respective indexes of refraction for the first, second, and third layers.