Fabrication and characterization of indium tin oxide (ITO)/polycrystalline silicon solar cells

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1978 · Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.90448· OSTI ID:7013107

Cheek, G; Inoue, N; Goodnick, S; Genis, A; Wilmsen, C; DuBow, J B

Efficient indium tin oxide (ITO)/polycrystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells have been fabricated utilizing neutralized ion-beam sputtering techniques. These cells were fabricated on single-pass float-zone-refined silicon. Conversion efficiencies of 6.25% under AM1 illumination have been observed. Cells were analyzed by I-V characteristics and a scanning laser photoresponse technique. Qualitative minority-carrier lifetime has been mapped using the EBIC mode of a SEM. This has revealed a reduced photoresponse at the grain boundaries independent of grain size, and also at defect clusters within individual grains. Surface blemishes and etch pits are not important in reducing the cell photoresponse. It appears that the low-temperature processing inherent in semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor solar cells is applicable to polycrystalline material.

• Research Organization: Department of Electrical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
• OSTI ID: 7013107
• Journal Information: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States), Vol. 33:7
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR CELLS
FABRICATION
GRAIN BOUNDARIES
GRAIN GROWTH
INDIUM OXIDES
SILICON
SPUTTERING
CHALCOGENIDES
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELEMENTS
INDIUM COMPOUNDS
MICROSTRUCTURE
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SEMIMETALS
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion