Multichannel spectroscopic ellipsometry for CdTe Photovoltaics: From real-time monitoring to large-scale mapping

Prakash Koirala, Jie Chen, Xinxuan Tan, Nikolas J. Podraza, Sylvain Marsillac, Angus A. Rockett, Robert W. Collins

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Real time spectroscopy ellipsometry (RTSE) has been applied to study the evolution of thin film optical structure during sputter deposition of polycrystalline CdS/CdTe solar cell stacks on transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coated glass substrates optimized for high efficiency. RTSE provides information on (i) interface formation to the underlying high resistivity transparent (HRT) layer during initial CdS growth, (ii) bulk layer CdS growth and its surface roughness evolution, (iii) CdS/CdTe interface formation when the overlying CdTe layer is deposited on the CdS, and (iv) CdTe bulk layer growth and its roughness evolution. Structural/optical models developed in the analysis of RTSE data acquired at a single point are also applied in the analysis of ex situ mapping SE data obtained over the area of the completed solar cell stack. As a result, maps of the structural parameters can be extracted, which then can be correlated with maps of the small area device performance. When uncorrelated non-uniformities exist over the area, optimization by combinatorial methods is possible.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2013
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1987-1991
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9781479932993
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2013 - Tampa, FL, United States
Duration: Jun 16 2013Jun 21 2013

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Other

Other39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTampa, FL
Period6/16/136/21/13

Keywords

  • CdS/CdTe
  • Chalcogenide
  • Spectroscopic ellipsometry
  • Thin film solar cell

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Multichannel spectroscopic ellipsometry for CdTe Photovoltaics: From real-time monitoring to large-scale mapping'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this