Absorption Coefficient

In reference to a solar energy conversion devices, the degree to which a substance will absorb solar energy. In a solar photovoltaic device, the factor by which photons are absorbed as they travel a unit distance through a material.

A measure of the attenuation caused by absorption of energy that results from its passage through a medium. [After 2196] Note 1: Absorption coefficients are usually expressed in units of reciprocal distance. Note 2: The sum of the absorption coefficient and the scattering coefficient is the attenuation coefficient.