Electron paramagnetic resonance as a probe of technologically relevant processing effects on CdTe solar cell materials

Michael Pigott, Liam Young, Patrick M. Lenahan, Adam Halverson, Kristian W. Andreini, Bas A. Korevaar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The performance of polycrystalline thin film CdTe solar cells is limited by as yet poorly understood deep level defects which serve as recombination centers. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has unrivaled analytical power and sensitivity in the identification of deep level defects in semiconductors; however, very little EPR literature exists with regard to technologically relevant processing of present day polycrystalline CdTe solar cells. In this study we explore the effects of several features important in these present day processing techniques: (1) effects of CdCl2 etching and (2) effects of Cu on the CdTe. Cu is widely used with CdTe solar cells and is thought to play a significant role in CdTe solar cells performance. Although the EPR spectra in all the cases we explored are dominated by a substitutional Mn site signal, our results are clearly sensitive to multiple changes caused by the aforementioned processing parameters.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2013
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages635-638
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9781479932993
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Event39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2013 - Tampa, FL, United States
Duration: Jun 16 2013Jun 21 2013

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Other

Other39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTampa, FL
Period6/16/136/21/13

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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