Photovoltaics: Raman Spec Monitors Thin-Film Si PV Cell Manufacture
by
IDEX Health & Science
Raman spectroscopy is widely used to characterize the chemical composition of materials and substances; its applications range from forensics and pharmaceuticals to astrospectroscopy and many others. One interesting example is the manufacture of photovoltaic (PV) cells. Commercial PV cells can have a solar-to-electric conversion efficiency of up to approximately 17% to 18%. During the production of PV cells, it becomes necessary to monitor the quality of the cells such that maximum conversion efficiency is achieved. Raman spectroscopy is one such technique well suited to the task.