Imaging Characterization Techniques Applied to Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells

Steve Johnston, Thomas Unold, Ingrid Repins, Rajalakshmi Sundaramoorthy, Kim M. Jones, Bobby To, Nathan Call, Richard Ahrenkiel

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

34 Scopus Citations

Abstract

The authors present examples of imaging characterization on Cu (In,Ga) Se2 (CIGS) solar cell devices. These imaging techniques include photoluminescence imaging, electroluminescence imaging, illuminated lock-in thermography, and forward- and reverse-bias dark lock-in thermographies. Images were collected on CIGS devices deposited at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with intentional spatial inhomogeneities of the material parameters. Photoluminescence imaging shows brightness variations, which correlate to the device open-circuit voltage. Photoluminescence and electroluminescence imaging on CIGS solar cells show dark spots that correspond to bright spots on images from illuminated and forward-bias lock-in thermography. These image-detected defect areas are weak diodes that conduct current under solar cell operating conditions. Shunt defects are imaged using reverse-bias lock-in thermography. The authors show how imaging can be used to detect structural defects detrimental to solar cell performance. The images provide defect locations that are analyzed in more detail by scanning electron microscopy techniques using top view and cross section imaging.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages665-670
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010
Event2009 AVS 56th International Symposium & Exhibition - in San Jose, California
Duration: 8 Nov 200913 Nov 2009

Conference

Conference2009 AVS 56th International Symposium & Exhibition
Cityin San Jose, California
Period8/11/0913/11/09

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-520-47220

Keywords

  • characterization
  • CIGS
  • electroluminescence
  • photoluminescence
  • solar

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