Solar cells serve as an instructive case study for introducing students to image-based and scanning probe analysis methods useful for photovoltaic, solid-state lighting, displays, and many other thin-film and energy conversion technologies that require large area scale-up for commercialization. We describe the use of CCD (visible) image processing, laser scanning, and infrared thermography of monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon solar cells to reveal various microstructure features that directly impact solar cell performance. These experiments can be used in materials science, semiconductor devices, quality assurance, and machine vision courses to demonstrate the connections between microstructure and materials functions, particulary as they related to electrical and optical applications.

Dr. Richard Chiou's background is in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on manufacturing. Dr. Chiou is currently an associate professor in the Goodwin School of Technology and Professional Studies at Drexel University. His areas of research include machining, mechatronics, and internet based robotics and automation. He has secured many research and education grants from the NSF, the SME Education Foundation, and industries.

Tzu-Liang (Bill) Tseng is an associate professor of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering at University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). He received his M.S. degree in Decision Sciences at University of Wisconsin-Madison and his Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering at University of Iowa. His research focuses on the computational intelligence, data mining, bio-informatics and advanced manufacturing. Dr. Tseng published in many refereed journals such as IEEE Transactions, IIE Transaction, Journal of Manufacturing Systems and others. He has been serving as a principle investigator of many research projects, funded by NSF, NASA, DoEd, and KSEF. He is currently serving as an editor of Journal of Computer Standards & Interfaces.