Improved method of light-beam-induced current characterization of grain boundaries

Journal Article · Mon Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1986 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.336334· OSTI ID:6258979

Sawyer, W D

An improved light-beam-induced current apparatus was used to evaluate grain-boundary activity in a polycrystalline solar cell. The grain-boundary recombination velocity and the diffusion length in the neighboring grains were obtained by processing of the grain-boundary profiles. The technique was applied using various wavelengths in the 550--950 nm range to check the consistency of the method and to examine the depth profile of the parameters measured. The results show that the diffusion length measurement is independent of the wavelength, and that the measured grain-boundary recombination velocity increases with the wavelength. The method was also used to evaluate hydrogen passivation of the grain boundary examined.

• Research Organization: Fraunhofer Institut fuer Solare Energiesysteme, Oltmannsstr. 22, 7800 Freiburg, Federal Republic of Germany
• OSTI ID: 6258979
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 59:7; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CHARGE CARRIERS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
DATA ACQUISITION
DESIGN
DIFFUSION BARRIERS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL TESTING
EQUIPMENT
FIBER OPTICS
GRAIN BOUNDARIES
MATERIALS TESTING
MICROSTRUCTURE
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
PASSIVATION
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
RECOMBINATION
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TESTING