Solar cells-devices that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight-are often coated with a transparent, thin film of silicon monoxide (SiO, n = 1.45) to minimize reflective losses from the surface. Suppose that a silicon solar cell (n = 3.5) is coated with a thin film of silicon monoxide for this purpose (Fig. 37.20). Determine the minimum film thickness that produces the least reflection at a wavelength of 550 nm, near the center of the visible spectrum. Air n=1 SiO Si n = 1.45 n=3.5 1 7 (a) / 2

Solar cells-devices that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight-are often coated with a transparent, thin film of silicon monoxide (SiO, n = 1.45) to minimize reflective losses from the surface. Suppose that a silicon solar cell (n = 3.5) is coated with a thin film of silicon monoxide for this purpose (Fig. 37.20). Determine the minimum film thickness that produces the least reflection at a wavelength of 550 nm, near the center of the visible spectrum. Air n=1 SiO Si n = 1.45 n=3.5 1 7 (a) / 2