ISSN:
1573-482X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Electrical Engineering, Measurement and Control Technology
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Abstract We have used low temperature photoluminescence (PL) to study thin film CdTe/CdS solar cell structures. The devices were produced by close space sublimation (CSS) and have undergone a post-growth treatment, a vital step in increasing device efficiency. The treatment consisted of evaporating a thin layer of CdCl2 onto the back CdTe surface and heat treating in air at 400 °C for between 10 and 120 min. This produced a range of device efficiencies from 2% to 9%. The efficiency improvements are the result of a complex interaction between the CdCl2, impurities and sulfur interdiffusion. The structures were prepared for PL by a chemical bevel etching technique which allows the luminescence emission to be studied as a function of depth throughout the sample. The main features in the PL spectra have been identified as being due to the Cl-A center and the Te-dislocation-related Y luminescence band. Using PL we have quantified the S diffusion into the CdTe which has a maximum of 20% at the interface in the most efficient samples. We have also obtained the profiles of recombination and non-radiative recombination centers in the device. We observe correlations between impurity centers and device efficiency which can help explain the effects of the CdCl2 treatment on the optoelectronic properties of the CdTe/CdS junction.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1026565632569
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