By
Subba Kodigala, Department of Physics & Astronomy
California State University
Northridge, CA 91330
USA
Description
This book provides valuable contents about the fabrication and characterization of chalcopyrite Cu(In
1-xGa
x)Se
2
based thin film solar cells and modules. The growth of chalcopyrite Cu(In
1-xGa
x)(S
1-ySe
y)
2
absorbers, buffers, window layers, antireflection coatings, and finally metallic grids, which are the sole components of solar cells,
is clearly illustrated. The absorber, which contains multiple elements, segregates secondary phases if the growth conditions are not
well optimized i.e., the main drawback in the fabrication of solar cells. More importantly the solutions for the growth of thin films
are given in detail. The properties of all the individual layers and single crystals including solar cells analyzed by different characterization
techniques such as SEM, AFM, XPS, AES, TEM, XRD, optical, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy are explicitly demonstrated. The
electrical analyses such as conductivities, Hall mobilities, deep level transient spectroscopy measurements etc., provide a broad picture
to understand thin films or single crystals and their solar cells. The book clearly explains the working principle of energy conversion
from solar to electrical with basic sciences for the chalcopyrite based thin film solar cells. Also, it demonstrates important criteria
on how to enhance efficiency of the solar cells and modules. The effect of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, aging
etc., on the devices is mentioned by citing several examples.
Included in series
Thin Films and Nanostructures
Audience:
Physicists, surface scientists, materials scientists and engineering professionals, developing and implementing solar cell technologies
in universities, government and private labs. Renewable Energy companies.
