FURI | Fall 2019

Finding and Predicting Defects in CIGS Cells Using Varied Temperature and Spectroscopy

Photovoltaic solar cells are becoming an increasingly important part of electric power generation. High efficiency is key to economic viability. Some new solar cell materials have unknown defects that can lower efficiency. If these defects can be discovered and predicted, this lost efficiency would be regained. Currently, the research team is designing temperature and light control systems to test defects at different wavelengths and temperatures. After these systems are operational, testing and modeling of the samples will begin. As of now, the team predicts that most defects lie in the UV range. With testing, a fuller picture of the defects will emerge.