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Thin Film Solar Cells (thin + film_solar_cell)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Polymers and Materials Science	80%

Selected Abstracts

Deposition of Barrier Layers for Thin Film Solar Cells Assisted by Bipolar Substrate Biasing

PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS, Issue S1 2009
Evelyn Häberle
Abstract For the development of diffusion and insulation barriers for thin film solar cells on unpolished steel with a rough surface as substrate, investigations of the shape of deposited SiOx layers in dependence on an applied substrate biasing are carried out. Si-wafers with a well-defined surface structure in the range of micrometre are used as ,model' substrate. As a result, the deposition in the indentations of this surface is much higher in the case of a biased substrate. To determine the influence of the bias on the molecular structure, first investigations of the deposited layer without an applied bias are performed with in situ Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy. Hence the molecular composition of the films is monitored during the deposition. In these spectra the Berreman effect occurs and is analysed. [source]

Thin Film Solar Cells: Materials Science at Interfaces

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 10 2005
J. Fritsche
Abstract Interfaces are important for the efficiencies of thin film solar cells. In particular for polycrystalline chalcogenide semiconductors as Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 and CdTe the existing physical concepts, which describe the electronic properties of semiconductor interfaces, are not sufficient. The increased complexity is mostly due to the non-abruptness of the interfaces and the strong tendency for the formation of defects. For the CdTe thin film solar cell a very relevant interface for their operation and efficiency is the CdTe/CdS semiconductor hetero junction. The properties of the semiconductor interfaces have been characterised systematically with photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS) in integrated ultra high vacuum (UHV) systems for sample preparation and analysis. Withal the key topic is the experimental determination of the band alignment at the semiconductor interfaces. For high efficiency CdTe solar cell production CdCl2 activation is of major importance. The effects of the CdCl2 treatment step on CdTe solar cells had been not completely understood so far. To investigate its influence the activation process has been transferred into the integrated UHV system. We will report about chemical and electronic modifications of the CdTe/CdS hetero interface due to in-situ CdCl2 activation performing sputter depth profiles in combination with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). [source]

The wet corrosion of molybdenum thin film , Part II: Behavior at 85°C

MATERIALS AND CORROSION/WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION, Issue 9 2004
C. R. Tomachuk
Abstract In the past few years there has been increased interest in molybdenum thin films, which are commonly prepared by magnetron sputtering. There is a variety of novel applications of molybdenum such as, for example, components for soft X-ray optics based on Mo/Si multi-layers, the back contact in thin film solar cells, NO gas detection, and microelectronics. Molybdenum is, also, widely used as an alloying addition in stainless steels to facilitate the formation of the passive film and to improve resistance to pitting attack. Its corrosion behaviour is complex and many aspects still need to be clarified. During this study, the corrosion behaviour of the PVD-Mo thin film immersed in aerated sulfate and chloride solutions at 85°C was investigated with both polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. It is apparent that the Mo thin film exhibits increased susceptibility to corrosion in more alkaline environments. [source]

Efficient nanocoax-based solar cells

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI - RAPID RESEARCH LETTERS, Issue 7 2010
M. J. Naughton
Abstract The power conversion efficiency of most thin film solar cells is compromised by competing optical and electronic constraints, wherein a cell must be thick enough to collect light yet thin enough to efficiently extract current. Here, we introduce a nanoscale solar architecture inspired by a well-known radio technology concept, the coaxial cable, that naturally resolves this "thick,thin" conundrum. Optically thick and elec- tronically thin amorphous silicon "nanocoax" cells are in the range of 8% efficiency, higher than any nanostructured thin film solar cell to date. Moreover, the thin nature of the cells reduces the Staebler,Wronski light-induced degradation effect, a major problem with conventional solar cells of this type. This nanocoax represents a new platform for low cost, high efficiency solar power. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]