Prediction of the Optical Properties and Photovoltaic Potential of Iron Disulfide Using Variable Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

The optical properties of iron disulfide were measured using optical data from UV- Vis spectrophotometer and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE). The iron disulfide is an exciting member of the transition metal dichalcogenides family owing to its favorable properties and characteristics. Thin films of iron disulfide were prepared through an RF -assisted sputtering process on p-Si substrates. General oscillator models were used to obtain the refractive index and extinction coefficient for a 100 nm thick FeS2 film. The photovoltaic potential of the analyzed thin films was studied through a simulated solar device using FeS₂ as an absorber layer. It was observed that 100 nm FeS₂ film, along with anti-reflective coating, could generate a favorable short circuit current, proving the potential of FeS₂ as an attractive photovoltaic material.