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Atomic Structure and Electronic Properties of c-Si/a-Si:H Interfaces in Si Heterojunction Solar Cells

Conference ·
OSTI ID:882601

The atomic structure and electronic properties of crystalline silicon/hydrogenated amorphous silicon (c-Si/a-Si:H) interfaces in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells are investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic-resolution Z-contrast imaging, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. We find that all high-performance SHJ solar cells exhibit atomically abrupt and flat c-Si/a-Si:H interfaces and high disorder of the a-Si:H layers. These atomically abrupt and flat c-Si/a-Si:H interfaces can be realized by direct deposition of a-Si:H on c-Si substrates at a substrate temperature below 150 deg C by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition from pure silane.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-99GO10337
OSTI ID:
882601
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP-520-38935
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English