Application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a 3-dimensional imaging technique for roll-to-roll coated polymer solar cells

The 3-dimensional imaging of complete polymer solar cells prepared by roll-to-roll coating was carried out using high-resolution 1322 nm optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. We found it possible to image the 3-dimensional structure of the entire solar cell that comprises UV-barrier, barrier material, adhesive, substrate and active solar cell multilayer structure. The achievable resolution was 12 mu m in the lateral plane and 4.5 mu m in the depth. We found that the OCT technique could be readily employed to identify coating defects in the functional layers. We finally identify the limitations of the technique, and future developments that would strengthen the use of the technique are described. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.