Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells

Written by scientists from leading institutes in Germany, USA, Spain, Sweden, Poland, and Israel who use these techniques as the core of their scientific work and who have a precise idea of what is relevant for photovoltaic devices, this text contains concise and comprehensive lecture-like chapters on specific research methods.

The choice of subjects is a representative cross-section of those methods enjoying a high degree of visibility in recent scientific literature. A clear introductory chapter describes the basic physics of thin-film solar cells and modules, providing a guide to the specific advantages that are offered by each individual method. Furthermore, the handbook deals with specific device-related topics and includes a selection of material and surface/interface analysis methods that have recently proven their relevance.

Finally, simulation techniques are presented that are used for ab-initio calculations of relevant semiconductors and for device simulations in 1D and 2D.

For students in physics, electrical engineering, and material sciences, solid state physicists, electrical engineers, materials scientists, semiconductor physicists, scientists working at materials research institutes, and those working in the semiconductor industry. Also suitable as supplementary reading in related courses.