Radio-frequency-magnetron-sputtered CdS/CdTe solar cells on soda-lime glass

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.116834· OSTI ID:389240

Shao, M; Fischer, A; Grecu, D; Jayamaha, U; Bykov, E; Contreras-Puente, G; Bohn, R G; Compaan, A D ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics and Astronomy and Center for Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606 (United States)

We report the fabrication of an 11.6{percent} efficient, polycrystalline thin-film CdS/CdTe solar cell in which both semiconductor layers were deposited by planar-magnetron-radio-frequency sputtering at 380{degree}C on commercially available soda-lime float-glass substrates coated with SnO{sub 2}:F. We show that the magnetron magnetic field is critical to obtaining high cell efficiency. Much stronger photoluminescence and higher electrical conductivity are found in films and cells grown with unbalanced-field magnetrons. The magnetic field dependence is interpreted as arising from the enhanced electron and ion bombardment of the film growth interface when unbalanced magnetrons are used. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 389240
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 20 Vol. 69; ISSN 0003-6951; ISSN APPLAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
CADMIUM SULFIDE SOLAR CELLS
CADMIUM TELLURIDE SOLAR CELLS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
FABRICATION
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PHOTOLUMINESCENCE
POLYCRYSTALS
SPUTTERING