Scribing of a-Si thin-film solar cells with picosecond laser

Gečys, Paulius; Račiukaitis, Gediminas

doi:10.1051/epjap/2010110

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…It has been shown that even employing ultrashort pulse lasers could not completely eliminate these defects for a-Si P2 scribing [98,99]. In this case, using infrared wavelength and high laser power increased delamination and elevated the molten rim in the surrounding edges in ps laser scribing [98].…”

Section: Microstructure and Surface Morphologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Laser Scribing of Photovoltaic Solar Thin Films: A Review

Jamaatisomarin,

Chen,

Hosseini-Zavareh

et al. 2023

JMMP

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The development of thin-film photovoltaics has emerged as a promising solution to the global energy crisis within the field of solar cell technology. However, transitioning from laboratory scale to large-area solar cells requires precise and high-quality scribes to achieve the required voltage and reduce ohmic losses. Laser scribing has shown great potential in preserving efficiency by minimizing the drop in geometrical fill factor, resistive losses, and shunt formation. However, due to the laser induced photothermal effects, various defects can initiate and impact the quality of scribed grooves and weaken the module’s efficiency. In this regard, much research has been conducted to analyze the geometrical fill factor, surface integrity, and electrical performance of the laser scribes to reach higher power conversion efficiencies. This comprehensive review of laser scribing of photovoltaic solar thin films pivots on scribe quality and analyzes the critical factors and challenges affecting the efficiency and reliability of the scribing process. This review also covers the latest developments in using laser systems, parameters, and techniques for patterning various types of solar thin films to identify the optimized laser ablation condition. Furthermore, potential research directions for future investigations at improving the quality and performance of thin film laser scribing are suggested.

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Section: Microstructure and Surface Morphologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Laser Scribing of Photovoltaic Solar Thin Films: A Review

Jamaatisomarin,

Chen,

Hosseini-Zavareh

et al. 2023

JMMP

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“…In order to decrease the thermal effect of laser irradiation during processing, the use of ultrashort pulsed lasers, such as picosecond and femtosecond lasers, are being investigation for scribing processes [8][9]. These lasers are complex and expensive, and regardless of pulse duration, material melting cannot be totally eliminated [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Removal Mechanism and Defect Characterization for Glass-Side Laser Scribing of CdTe/CdS Multilayer in Solar Cells

Wang

Yao

Chen

2015

Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering

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Laser scribing is an important manufacturing process used to reduce photocurrent and resistance losses and increase solar cell efficiency through the formation of serial interconnections in large-area solar cells. High-quality scribing is crucial since the main impediment to large-scale adoption of solar power is its high production cost (price-per-watt) compared to competing energy sources such as wind and fossil fuels. In recent years, the use of glass-side laser scribing processes has led to increased scribe quality and solar cell efficiencies, however, defects introduced during the process such as thermal effect, micro cracks, film delamination, and removal uncleanliness keep the modules from reaching their theoretical efficiencies. Moreover, limited numerical work has been performed in predicting thin film laser removal processes. In this study, a nanosecond (ns) laser with a wavelength at 532nm is employed for pattern 2 (P2) scribing on CdTe (Cadmium telluride) based thin-film solar cells. The film removal mechanism and defects caused by laser-induced micro-explosion process are studied. The relationship between those defects, removal geometry, laser fluences and scribing speeds are also investigated. Thermal and mechanical numerical models are developed to analyze the laser-induced spatio-temporal temperature and pressure responsible for film removal. The simulation can well-predict the film removal geometries, generation of micro cracks, film delamination and remaining materials. The characterization of removal qualities will enable the process optimization and design required to enhance solar module efficiency.

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“…In order to decrease the thermal effect of laser irradiation during processing, ultrashort pulsed lasers, such as picosecond and femtosecond lasers, are under investigation for scribing processes [6][7]. These lasers are complex and expensive, and regardless of pulse duration, material melting cannot be totally eliminated [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictive Modeling for Glass-Side Laser Scribing of Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells

Wang¹,

Hsu²,

Tan³

et al. 2013

Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering

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Laser scribing of multilayer thin films is an important process for producing integrated serial interconnection of minimodules, used to reduce photocurrent and resistance losses in a large-area solar cell. Quality of such scribing contributes to the overall quality and efficiency of the solar cell and therefore predictive capabilities of the process are essential. Limited numerical work has been performed in predicting the thin film laser removal processes. In this study, a sequentially-coupled multilayer thermal and mechanical finite element model is developed to analyze the laser-induced spatio-temporal temperature and thermal stress responsible for SnO 2 :F film removal. A plasma expansion induced pressure model is also investigated to simulate the non-thermal film removal of CdTe due to the micro-explosion process. Corresponding experiments on SnO 2 :F films on glass substrates by 1064nm ns laser irradiation show a similar removal process to that predicted in the simulation. Differences between the model and experimental results are discussed and future model refinements are proposed. Both simulation and experimental results from glass-side laser scribing show clean film removal with minimum thermal effects indicating minimal changes to material electrical properties.

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Scribing of a-Si thin-film solar cells with picosecond laser

Cited by 8 publications

References 9 publications

Laser Scribing of Photovoltaic Solar Thin Films: A Review

Laser Scribing of Photovoltaic Solar Thin Films: A Review

Removal Mechanism and Defect Characterization for Glass-Side Laser Scribing of CdTe/CdS Multilayer in Solar Cells

Predictive Modeling for Glass-Side Laser Scribing of Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells

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