The role of oxygen in CdS/CdTe solar cells deposited by close-spaced sublimation
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
The presence of oxygen during close-spaced sublimation (CSS) of CdTe has been previously reported to be essential for high-efficiency CdS/CdTe solar cells because it increases the acceptor density in the absorber. The authors find that the presence of oxygen during CSS increases the nucleation site density of CdTe, thus decreasing pinhole density and grain size. Photoluminescence showed that oxygen decreases material quality in the bulk of the CdTe film, but positively impacts the critical CdS/CdTe interface. Through device characterization they were unable to verify an increase in acceptor density with increased oxygen. These results, along with the achievement of high-efficiency cells (13% AM1.5) without the use of oxygen, led the authors to conclude that the use of oxygen during CSS deposition of CdTe can be useful but is not essential.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-83CH10093
- OSTI ID:
- 276868
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960513--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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