Correlations of Cu(In, Ga)Se2 imaging with device performance, defects, and microstructural properties

Camera imaging techniques have been used for the characterization of Cu(In, Ga)Se-2 (CIGS) solar cells. Photoluminescence (PL) imaging shows brightness variations after the deposition of the CIGS layer that persist through CdS deposition and subsequent processing steps to finish the devices. PL and electroluminescence imaging on finished cells show a correlation to the devices' corresponding efficiency and open-circuit voltage (V-OC), and dark defect-related spots correspond to bright spots on images from illuminated lock-in thermography (LIT) and forward-bias dark LIT. These image-detected defect areas are weak diodes and shunts. Imaging provides locations of defects detrimental to solar cell performance. Some of these defects are analyzed in more detail by scanning electron microscopy using cross-sectional views. (C) 2012 American Vacuum Society. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.4714358]