Properties of Cd and Zn partial electrolyte treated CIGS solar cells

We study the influence of Cd partial baths on the photovoltaic properties of CuInGaSe/sub 2/ (CIGS) and CuInGaSSe/sub 2/ (CIGSS) thin film absorbers. We find that efficient solar cells can be fabricated by this treatment, and we compare their properties; with those containing CdS window layers grown by chemical bath deposition. The results suggest that Cd plays a dominant role in establishing efficient photovoltaic junctions in Cu InSe/sub 2/ alloys. Micron scale photoluminescence scans show non-uniformity along the length probed. Cd treatment quenches one of the luminescence transitions, which indicates a change in shallow acceptor level density. We present a model that helps to explain the evolution of photovoltaic action.