Changes in ohmic shunts in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 devices during damp heat

To increase the bankability of photovoltaics (PV), a more accurate prediction of the lifetime and degradation-rate of PV modules is required. In past studies, average degradation rates for different technologies have been derived from field data. However, in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) based PV, localized shunts are commonly found in modules coming out...

Optical simulations and optimization of perovskite/CI(G)S tandem solar cells using the transfer matrix method

In this work we employ the transfer matrix method for the analysis of optical materials properties to simulate and optimize monolithic tandem solar cell devices based on CuIn1-xGa x Se2, CI(G)S, and perovskite (PVK) absorbers. By finding models that fit well the experimental data of the CI(G)S solar cell, the semitransparent perovskite solar...

High-performance dual-mode ultra-thin broadband CdS/CIGS heterojunction photodetector on steel

An ultra-thin CdS/CIGS heterojunction photodiode fabricated on steel firstly exhibits dual-mode broadband photodetection from ultraviolet to near infrared spectrum. In the photovoltaic mode, the CIGS photodiode, working as a self-driven photodetector, shows an outstanding photodetection capability (under a light power density of 20 µW cm−2 at...

Plasma source and surface treatment method

A plasma source has an outer surface, interrupted by an aperture for delivering an atmospheric plasma from the outer surface. A transport mechanism transports a substrate in parallel with the outer surface, closely to the outer surface, so that gas from the atmospheric plasma may form a gas bearing between the outer surface the and the substrate...

Monolithic Two-Terminal Perovskite/CIS Tandem Solar Cells with Efficiency Approaching 25%

Monolithic two-terminal (2T) perovskite/CuInSe2 (CIS) tandem solar cells (TSCs) combine the promise of an efficient tandem photovoltaic (PV) technology with the simplicity of an all-thin-film device architecture that is compatible with flexible and lightweight PV. In this work, we present the first-ever 2T perovskite/CIS TSC with a power...

Inline inspection of CIGS solar cells by means of Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence imaging

Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cells are a promising technology, but inline quality inspection systems are required for efficient high-volume production. Tests with two candidate methods: Raman spectroscopy and photo-luminescence imaging, are reported in this paper. The methods were used to estimate material compositions...

Control over the Gallium Depth Profile in 30x30 cm2 Sequentially Processed CIGS

In order to control the bandgap profile of CIGSe absorbers, several key parameters of the absorber formation process have been investigated using semi-industrial 30×30 cm2 chalcogenization equipment. It was found that the degree of gallium-indium interdiffusion depends on the thermal budget of the process and on the selenium vapor pressure at...

Interdigitated back-contacted structure: A different approach towards high-efficiency ultrathin copper indium gallium (di) selenide solar cells

An interdigitated back-contacted (IBC) configuration is proposed for submicron copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS). In a modelling platform, the structure was opto-electrically optimized for maximum efficiency. The results are compared with a reference front/back-contacted (FBC) solar cell with similar absorber thickness and exhibiting 11...

Alkali treatment for single-stage co-evaporated thin CuIn0.7Ga0.3Se2 solar cells

KF and NaF treatments were done for single-stage co-evaporated CuIn0.7Ga0.3Se2. The absorber layers were grown on a substrate with an alkali barrier layer and NaF was either added before or after absorber layer growth. No differences were found on the device performance amongst the procedures to add Na. This is expected if the single-stage...

Plasma source and surfce treatment method

High rate (∼7 nm/s), atmospheric pressure deposition of ZnO front electrode for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells with efficiency beyond 15%

Undoped zinc oxide (ZnO) films have been grown on a moving glass substrate by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition at atmospheric pressure. High deposition rates of ∼7 nm/s are achieved at low temperature (200°C) for a substrate speed from 20 to 60 mm/min. ZnO films are highly transparent in the visible range (90%). By a short (∼minute)...

Treatment of Polymer Surfaces with Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasmas

Due to ongoing improvements in polymer-based materials, they are being used in an increasingly wider range of applications. In addition to special bulk physical properties, specific surface properties are often required in particular applications. However, common polymers very often do not possess the desired surface properties. Several...

Variable plasma igniter output for temperature compensation of ammunition performance

Plasma ignition for medium calibre ammunition

Gun performance is usually affected by the operating temperature of the ammunition or weapon. This is caused by several factors, amongst which the temperature dependency of the propellant ignition and combustion processes. Compensation of temperature effects on weapon or ammunition performance is possible if these processes are controllable. As...

The influence of surface DBD plasma treatment on the adhesion of coatings to high-tech textiles

The surface of high-performance poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers is difficult to wet and impossible to chemically bond to different matrices. Sizing applied on the fiber surface usually improves fiber wetting, but prevents good adhesion between a matrix and the fiber surface. The present study demonstrates that the plasma treatment...

Plasma processing of fibre materials for enhanced impact protection

The performance of lightweight impact protective clothing depends on the constituting materials, their assembly in a system and interaction under various dynamic impact conditions. In this paper an overview of options for improved impact protective clothing systems based on a new plasma technology is presented. Plasma is an ionized gas providing...

Adhesion strength study between plasma treated polyester fibres and a rubber matrix

In this work, the adhesion strength between poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibres and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) was studied. The effects of atmospheric plasma treatment, used to increase adhesion strength between PET fibres and the rubber matrix, were investigated and compared. It was confirmed that lubricants on the fibres caused a...