Tolerance of Three-Stage CIGS Deposition to Variations Imposed by Roll-to-Roll Processing: Phase I Annual Report, May 2002--May 2003

Global Solar Energy, Inc. (GSE) and subcontractor ITN Energy Systems, Inc. (ITN) are addressing process tolerance issues in this program. The definition and resolution of process tolerance issues satisfy many of the goals of the Thin Film Photovoltaics Partnership Program (TFPPP). First, the investigation is likely to identify acceptable ranges for critical deposition parameters. This will havethe benefit of providing upper and lower control limits for in-situ process-monitoring components, thus increasing average efficiency, as well as yield of product. Second, the exploration may uncover insensitivities to some processing procedures, allowing manufacture of modules at increased throughput and decreased cost. The exploration allows a quantitative evaluation of the trade-offs betweenperformance, throughput, and costs. Third, the proposed program also satifies the TFPPP goal of establishing a wider research and development base for higher-efficiency processing. Fourth, the acquisition of data defining sensitivity to processing has important implications for the required accuracy of process sensors and control. Finally, the program helps the photovoltaic community advancetoward a better understanding of CIGS growth, which is a longer-term goal of the TFPPP.