Novel rapid-thermal-processing for CIS thin-film solar cells

Device quality CuInSe/sub 2/ thin films have been synthesized by rapid-thermal-processing (RTP) of elemental Cu-In-Se stacked layers. The authors demonstrate for the first time solar cells with an efficiency above 10% produced at short heating cycles and without using toxic gases. The microstructure of these films is analysed in detail by SEM, TEM and SIMS. Morphology, crystal quality and solar cell efficiency are influenced drastically by the Cu/In atomic ratio. The predominant CIS crystal defects observed in indium-rich films are twins whereas in copper-rich films dislocations, stacking faults and precipitates are also observed.<
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