Robert Thomas Lattus
Electrical engineering
Hometown: Sherwood, Oregon, United States
Graduation date: Spring 2022
FURI | Spring 2020
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. A 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. Once testing begins, a fuller picture of the defects will emerge.
Mentor: Michael Goryll