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Iles, P. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Iles, P. A..

At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

Silicon Solar Cell Process Development, Fabrication and Analysis, Phase 1

Solar cells from RTR ribbons, EFG (RF and RH) ribbons, dendritic webs, Silso wafers, cast silicon by HEM, silicon on ceramic, and continuous Czochralski ingots were fabricated using a standard process typical of those used currently in the silicon solar cell industry. Back surface field (BSF) processing and other process modifications were included to give preliminary indications of possible improved performance. The parameters measured included open circuit voltage, short circuit current, curve fill factor, and conversion efficiency (all taken under AM0 illumination). Also measured for typical cells were spectral response, dark I-V characteristics, minority carrier diffusion length, and photoresponse by fine light spot scanning. the results were compared to the properties of cells made from conventional single crystalline Czochralski silicon with an emphasis on statistical evaluation. Limited efforts were made to identify growth defects which will influence solar cell performance.

Yoo, H. I.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Development of Low Cost Contacts to Silicon Solar Cells

Different electroless plating systems were evaluated in conjunction with copper electroplating. All tests involved simultaneous deposition of front and back contacts using a standard cell materials. Cells with good adhesion and good curve fill factors were obtained using a palladium-chromium-copper metallization system. The final copper contact system was evaluated to determine if the copper would migrate at elevated temperatures. The copper migrated at elevated temperatures causing cell output degradation.

Iles, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Silicon Solar Cell Process Development, Fabrication and Analysis

The standard solar cells (2x2 cm) from the cast silicon (HEM) showed a maximum AMO efficiency of 10.1%. Cells from the low resistivity material (0.5 ohm-cm) showed lower performance than those of the high resistivity cast silicon (3 ohm-cm), an average efficiency 9.5% versus 7.6%. Maximum AMO efficiency of the standard solar cells from the EFG (RH) ribbons was about 7.5%. The solar cells from the controlled SiC, using the displaced die, showed more consistent and better performance than those of the uncontrolled SiC ribbons, an average efficiency of 6.6% versus 5.4%. The average AMO efficiency of the standard SOC solar cells were about 6%. These were large area solar cells (an average area of 15 sq cm). A maximum efficiency of 7.3% was obtained. The SOC solar cells showed both leakage and series resistance problems, leading to an average curve fill factor of about 60%.

Yoo, H. I.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Silicon Solar Cell Process Development, Fabrication and Analysis

The standard solar cells (2x2 cm) from the cast silicon heatexchanger method) showed a maximum AMO efficiency of 10.1%. Cells from low resistivity material (0.5 ohm-cm) showed lower performance than those of the high resistivity cast silicon (3 ohm-cm), an average efficiency 9.5% versus 7.6% Maximum AMO efficiency of the standard solar cells (2x2 cm) from the EFG (RH) ribbons was about 7.5%. The solar cells from controlled SiC, using the displaced die, showed more consistent and better performance than those of the uncontrolled SiC ribbons, an average efficiency of 6.6% versus 5.4% The average AMO efficiency of the standard silicon ceramic (soc) solar calls were about 6%. These were large area solar cells (an average area of 15 sq cm). A maximum efficiency of 7.3% was obtained. The SOC solar cells showed both leakage and series resistance problems, leading to an average curve fill factor of about 60%.

Yoo, H. I.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Development of High Efficiency (14%) Solar Cell Array Module

High efficiency solar cells required for the low cost modules was developed. The production tooling for the manufacture of the cells and modules was designed. The tooling consisted of: (1) back contact soldering machine; (2) vacuum pickup; (3) antireflective coating tooling; and (4) test fixture.

Iles, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Development of Low Cost Contacts to Silicon Solar Cells

Commercial electroless Cu solutions were used. Satisfactory adhesion (and fairly good cell performance) resulted from the use of thin layers of barrier metals such as Au, Cr or Pd. In these tests, photoresist masks were used to contact silicon P-type slices with diffused N+ and alloyed P+ surfaces; and electrolytic Cu solution was used to build up the contact thickness to provide good cell behavior. In addition some cells with evaporated Cr-Cu contacts were also made (along with evaporated Ti-Pd-Ag contacts as controls), with the intention of subjecting cells to gradually increasing heat-treatments, to determine whether Cu causes the cells to be inherently unstable.

Iles, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Silicon Solar Cell Process Development, Fabrication and Analysis

Ribbon to Ribbon (RTR) solar cells processed from polycrystalline feedstock showed maximum AMO efficiency of 5.6%. Solar cells from single crystalline feedstock showed slightly higher efficiency than those from polycrystalline feedstock, indicating maximum efficiency of about 6.6% with SiO AR coating. Single crystalline control cells gave 11-12% AMO efficiencies demonstrating that the poor performance of the RTR solar was due to the low quality of material itself. Dendritic web solar cells from the standard process showed maximum AMO efficiency of 9.8% while efficiency of control solar cells were around 11-12%. Web solar cells from back surface field (BSF) process indicated maximum AMO efficiency of 10.9%. Some improvement in open circuit voltage was noticed from the BSF process. Small light spot scanning experiments were carried out on the solar cells from Wacker Silso, EFG, RTR, and dendritic web ribbons. Photoresponse results provided information on localized cell performance and grain size in polycrystalline material, and agreed quite well with the cell performance data, such as efficiency, minority carrier diffusion length, and spectral response.

Yoo, H. I.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Silicon solar cell process. Development, fabrication and analysis

Solar cells were fabricated from unconventional silicon sheets, and the performances were characterized with an emphasis on statistical evaluation. A number of solar cell fabrication processes were used and conversion efficiency was measured under AMO condition at 25 C. Silso solar cells using standard processing showed an average efficiency of about 9.6%. Solar cells with back surface field process showed about the same efficiency as the cells from standard process. Solar cells from grain boundary passivation process did not show any improvements in solar cell performance.

Yoo, H. I.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Research, development and pilot production of high output thin silicon solar cells

Work was performed to define and apply processes which could lead to high output from thin (2-8 mils) silicon solar cells. The overall problems are outlined, and two satisfactory process sequences were developed. These sequences led to good output cells in the thickness range to just below 4 mils; although the initial contract scope was reduced, one of these sequences proved capable of operating beyond a pilot line level, to yield good quality 4-6 mil cells of high output.

Iles, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Effect of impurity doping concentration on solar cell output

Experimental measurements were made of solar cell and related photovoltaic parameters for silicon with high concentrations of dopant impurities. The cell output peaked for doping levels around 10 to the 17th power per cu cm. Independent measurements of diffusion length and open circuit voltage at high doping levels showed severe reductions at concentrations above 10 to the 18th power per cu cm. Theoretical reasons are given to explain these reductions. Indication is given of the problems requiring solution before increased cell output can be achieved at high doping levels.

Iles, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Low cost solar cell arrays

Limitations in both space and terrestial markets for solar cells are described. Based on knowledge of the state-of-the-art, six cell options are discussed; as a result of this discussion, the three most promising options (involving high, medium and low efficiency cells respectively) were selected and analyzed for their probable costs. The results showed that all three cell options gave promise of costs below $10 per watt in the near future. Before further cost reductions can be achieved, more R and D work is required; suggestions for suitable programs are given.

Iles, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Effects of processing on the carrier lifetime in silicon solar cells

Measurements were taken to determine the effects that solar cell processing steps have on the minority carrier lifetime in silicon. The experimental work included measurements of diffusion lengths of the silicon at various stages of cell fabrication, of solar cell properties, and of the PN junction properties for ingots covering a wide range of doping and other ingot properties. Resistivities covered the range of 0.01 to 10 ohm-cm, and combinations of extreme concentrations (high and low) of dislocations and oxygen were included. The results showed that the major cell process steps did not usually cause any appreciable change in diffusion lengths. The solar cell currents obtained supported the diffusion length measurements. The effects of heavy doping concentrations on solar cell performance were studied. Attempts were made to relate the voltage behavior of the cells with the diode properties and the properties of the ingots.

Iles, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Research, Development and Fabrication of Lithium Solar Cells, Part 2

The development and fabrication of lithium solar cells are discussed. Several single-step, lithium diffusion schedules using lower temperatures and times are described. A comparison was made using evaporated lithium metal as the lithium source, and greatly improved consistency in lithium concentrations was obtained. It was possible to combine all processing steps to obtain lithium doped cells of high output which also contained adequate lithium to ensure good recoverability.

Iles, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Optimized silicon solar cells for space exploration power systems

A program is described aimed at designing and fabricating improved silicon solar cells for a range of missions extending from 0.1 to 15 astronomical units (Mercury to Jupiter). For missions lying inside Earth radius (Mercury, Venus) the major cell property required was very low series resistance, allowing high curve fill factor to be maintained at the higher intensities. For the Mercury mission, the temperature of the cell had to be kept low. This was achieved by reflecting more of the incident sunlight by use of large area front contacts. For the outer missions (Mars, the Asteroid belts and Jupiter) the formation of a Schottky barrier at the back contact had to be avoided (by use of a P+ layer under the back contact) and the excess leakage current of the PN junction had to be reduced. Optimum grid patterns were also derived and used for these missions.

Iles, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Development and fabrication of lithium-doped solar cells

The application of contacts and coatings after lithium diffusion provides good electrical output and satisfactory contact adhesion by sintering for short times at temperatures less than the lithium diffusion temperature. High output and repeatability are obtainable from both oxygen-rich and oxygen-lean silicon. These fabrication sequence alterations have led to higher cell output, better appearance, and increased contact strength.

Iles, P. A.↗