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Ultrafast Laser Textured Silicon Solar Cells

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2011

Barada K. Nayak ,
Vikram Iyengar  and
Mool C. Gupta
Barada K. Nayak
Affiliation:
Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
Vikram Iyengar
Affiliation:
Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
Mool C. Gupta*
Affiliation:
Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
*
Corresponding author E-mail: mgupta@virginia.edu
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Abstract

A novel ultrafast laser texturing method has been developed to produce arrays of nano/micro surface textures in silicon. Laser processing conditions have been optimized for achieving appropriate optical and electronic properties for photovoltaic applications. The textured silicon surfaces absorb greater than 99% of incident light over the entire solar spectrum and the material appears complete black to bare eye. Textured silicon surfaces are characterized for surface morphology and optical properties. Chemical etching and thermal annealing steps have been performed to remove laser slag and induced defects. Finally, we report the total and external quantum efficiency results on photovoltaic devices fabricated on the textured silicon wafers, which can be further improved.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1123: Symposium P – Photovoltaic Materials and Manufacturing Issues , 2008 , 1123-P07-09
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2009

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