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The characterization of CdS/CdTe thin films for solar cell applications

Conference ·
OSTI ID:116250
; ; ; ; ;  [1]
  1. National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)

Although conversion efficiencies exceeding 15% have been reported in CdS/CdTe solar cells, the defect structure and the electrical and luminescent behavior of the defects in these cells are not well understood. A better understanding of the nucleation, growth, and microstructure of these films will facilitate a better control of the structural and electrical properties, thereby improving the device characteristics. Furthermore, it has been reported that S and Te interdiffusion takes place at the CdS/CdTe interface. However, to date, no systematic study of this interface has been carried out. In this work, the morphological and structural properties of polycrystalline thin films of CdS and CdTe were investigated as a function of deposition method, deposition conditions and post-deposition heat treatment. The CdS/CdTe interface properties and the recombination behavior of defects were studied in as-deposited and heat-treated films.

OSTI ID:
116250
Report Number(s):
CONF-950336--; ISBN 0-7918-1300-2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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