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At least 91 records · Page 5

Degradation in Photovoltaic Encapsulant Transmittance: Results of the Second PVQAT TG5 Artificial Weathering Study

The optical degradation of encapsulants from ultraviolet (UV) radiation has historically resulted in a significant loss in performance throughout the life of a photovoltaic (PV) module. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) test methods have recently been developed to screen for PV encapsulants prone to loss in optical performance. The present study was performed to benchmark polymeric packaging materials relative to IEC 62788-1-4 (covering the measurement of optical transmittance) and IEC 62788-1-7 (on the durability of transmittance), provide feedback toward improvement of the methods, and develop insight regarding optical degradation. Contemporary materials were examined, including poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), polyolefin elastomer (POE), and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) encapsulants; a poly(ethene-co-tetrafluoroethene)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (ETFE/PET) transparent backsheet; and a polystyrene (PS) working reference material. The use of silica-, specialty-, and rolled-glass was also compared in laminated coupons. Specimen size was separately examined from 2.5 to 12.5 cm. Weathering was performed with a xenon source, using IEC TS 62788-7-2 methods A2, A3, A4, and A5 (chamber temperature of 55 degrees C, 65 degrees C, 75 degrees C, or 85 degrees C), respectively. Characterizations were made using a UV-visible-near-infrared (UV-VIS-NIR) spectrophotometer (transmittance and reflectance, with and without an integrating sphere), a UV-VIS fluorescence spectrophotometer, a camera, and an optical microscope. Performance was analyzed, including solar weighted transmittance, yellowness index, UV cut-off wavelength, and haze (scattering). Separate Arrhenius analyses were performed to assess retention of transmittance and changes in yellowness index. The activation energy for both characteristics was found to range from 15-80 kJ mol-1, with an average of 48 kJ mol-1, similar to the average of 45 kJ mol-1 identified in the previous international PV Quality Assurance Task Force (PVQAT) Task Group 5 (TG5) study of more traditional encapsulants. The separate degradation modes of discoloration and scattering were distinguished in the encapsulants using a comprehensive spectral characterization. Based on these results, the IEC 62788-1-7 pass/fail criteria of 5% change in transmittance was confirmed to identify a known bad encapsulant.

durability↗

Silicon nitride stress-optic microresonator modulator for optical control applications

Modulation-based control and locking of lasers, filters and other photonic components is a ubiquitous function across many applications that span the visible to infrared (IR), including atomic, molecular and optical (AMO), quantum sciences, fiber communications, metrology, and microwave photonics. Today, modulators used to realize these control functions consist of high-power bulk-optic components for tuning, sideband modulation, and phase and frequency shifting, while providing low optical insertion loss and operation from DC to 10s of MHz. In order to reduce the size, weight and cost of these applications and improve their scalability and reliability, modulation control functions need to be implemented in a low loss, wafer-scale CMOS-compatible photonic integration platform. The silicon nitride integration platform has been successful at realizing extremely low waveguide losses across the visible to infrared and components including high performance lasers, filters, resonators, stabilization cavities, and optical frequency combs. Yet, progress towards implementing low loss, low power modulators in the silicon nitride platform, while maintaining wafer-scale process compatibility has been limited. Here we report a significant advance in integration of a piezo-electric (PZT, lead zirconate titanate) actuated micro-ring modulation in a fully-planar, wafer-scale silicon nitride platform, that maintains low optical loss (0.03 dB/cm in a 625 µm resonator) at 1550 nm, with an order of magnitude increase in bandwidth (DC - 15 MHz 3-dB and DC - 25 MHz 6-dB) and order of magnitude lower power consumption of 20 nW improvement over prior PZT modulators. The modulator provides a >14 dB extinction ratio (ER) and 7.1 million quality-factor (Q) over the entire 4 GHz tuning range, a tuning efficiency of 162 MHz/V, and delivers the linearity required for control applications with 65.1 dB·Hz 2/3 and 73.8 dB·Hz 2/3 third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) at 1 MHz and 10 MHz respectively. We demonstrate two control applications, laser stabilization in a Pound-Drever Hall (PDH) lock loop, reducing laser frequency noise by 40 dB, and as a laser carrier tracking filter. This PZT modulator design can be extended to the visible in the ultra-low loss silicon nitride platform with minor waveguide design changes. This integration of PZT modulation in the ultra-low loss silicon nitride waveguide platform enables modulator control functions in a wide range of visible to IR applications such as atomic and molecular transition locking for cooling, trapping and probing, controllable optical frequency combs, low-power external cavity tunable lasers, quantum computers, sensors and communications, atomic clocks, and tunable ultra-low linewidth lasers and ultra-low phase noise microwave synthesizers.

Wang, Jiawei (ORCID:0000000257965220)↗

Power loss analysis for the optical cavity of an x-ray laser oscillator

We investigate properties of optical elements in the optical cavity of an x-ray laser oscillator with emphasis on the power loss of a monochromatic Gaussian radiation beam upon passing through them using analytical and numerical approaches. Here we assume the optical cavity comprises of refractive lenses and Bragg crystals exploiting symmetric Bragg scattering. For the lens, we include focusing and curvature effects while we include angular filtering due to finite Darwin width of the Bragg crystal. Our results indicate the feasibility of x-ray power out-coupling in the range of 0.5%–28% with intracavity reflectivity of 67%–95% at 10.321 keV for nominal (≥ 65% reflectivity) cases. We also show the possibility of achieving high out-coupling of 35%–80% while restricting the intracavity reflectivity in the 19%–62% by adopting lossy cavities with 10–20 μ⁢m thin crystals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Degradation of Edge-Defined Film-Fed Silicon Glass–Glass Modules on Florida Rooftop After 22 Years

Thin silicon (< 100 μm) adoption can provide significantly lower cost. Kerfless technologies provide thin wafers while preventing material from being wasted. Understanding how this family of processing influences module reliability is important. A set of four edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) silicon modules from a ten-module system in Florida is measured after 22 years of exposure. Power loss rates of 0.58–0.78% year -1 are measured for three modules, while a rate of 1.32% is measured for a module with severe delamination and corrosion. Short-circuit current degrades between 10.7% and 13.1% for all modules. Further, the losses are primarily optical and recombination based; however, series and shunt resistance effects play a non-negligible role. Pre-existing recombination losses exist but are exacerbated via degradation. Optical losses in short-circuit current are due in part to encapsulant yellowing. Electroluminescence (EL) images display the effects of processing on bulk quality by clearly showing lines of alternating brightness along the wafer length. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first article displaying suns–V OC data, effective lifetime versus excess carrier density data, and module EL images for EFG silicon-based modules.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Enhanced optoelectronic and elastic responses in fluorinated penta-BCN

We report surface passivation in two-dimensional (2D) materials is one of the best approaches to modulate the structural, dynamical, and mechanical stabilities thereby enhancing chemical and physical properties for optoelectronic applications. Here, we report an ab-initio investigation on structurally, thermally, dynamically, and mechanically stable, and experimentally feasible fluorinated penta-BCN (F-BCN) monolayer. The structural reconstruction after fluorination, increases bond lengths and thickness to reduce the average stiffness and elasticity attaining the mechanical isotropy. Nevertheless, the value of 2D Young’s modulus of F-BCN is comparable to the pristine structure at 6% of compression without mechanical instability. A significant bandgap tailoring is achieved, similar to that of mechanical sensitivity, due to applied strain. Remarkably, following the fluorine passivation, the monolayer’s induced wide direct bandgap semiconducting behavior improves optical absorbance and reflectivity, decreases energy loss, changes optical anisotropy, and makes it a promising candidate material for optoelectronic and nanomechanical applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Low-loss adiabatic fiber-optic coupler for cryogenic photonics

Recent developments in quantum light–matter coupled systems and quantum transducers have highlighted the need for cryogenic optical measurements. In this study, we present a packaged fiber-optic coupler with a coupling efficiency of over 50% for telecom wavelength light down to the mK temperature range. Besides the high coupling efficiency, our method enables sensitive photonic device measurements that are immune to mechanical vibrations present in cryogenic setups.

Optics↗

Electron energy loss spectra from silica glass optical fibers

To investigate the possible structural differences between silica glass fibers and bulk silica glasses, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) has been used to study the short-range and medium-range structures of both forms of silica glasses. The short-range structure of silica glass, such as the coordination and symmetry, was investigated by the energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) of Si L 2,3 -edges. Furthermore, the ordering structure in the medium-range was analyzed by the exponential optical absorption edge also known as the Urbach edge of the glasses. The optical absorption data were obtained from the low energy loss spectrum of EELS through Kramers-Kronig analysis. The results show that silica fiber has the same short-range structure as the bulk specimen, but is significantly more disordered than the bulk glasses.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fast quantum interferometry at the nanometer and attosecond scales with energy-entangled photons

In classical optical interferometry, loss and background complicate achieving fast nanometer-resolution measurements with illumination at low light levels. Conversely, quantum two-photon interference is unaffected by loss and background, but nanometer-scale resolution is physically difficult to realize. As a solution, we enhance two-photon interference with highly nondegenerate energy entanglement featuring photon frequencies separated by 177 THz. We observe measurement resolution at the nanometer (attosecond) scale with only O(10 4 ) photon pairs, despite the presence of background and loss. Our nondestructive thickness measurement of a metallic thin film agrees with atomic force microscopy, which often achieves better resolution via destructive means. With contactless, nondestructive measurements in seconds or faster, our instrument enables metrological studies in optically challenging contexts where background, loss, or photosensitivity are factors.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Degradation in Photovoltaic Encapsulant Transmittance: Results of the Second PVQAT TG5 Artificial Weathering Study

The optical degradation of encapsulants from ultraviolet (UV) radiation has historically resulted in a significant loss in performance throughout the life of a photovoltaic (PV) module. IEC test methods have recently been developed to screen for PV encapsulants prone to loss in optical performance. The present study was performed to benchmark polymeric packaging materials relative to IEC 62788-1-4 (covering the measurement of optical transmittance) and IEC 62788-1-7 (on the durability of transmittance), provide feedback toward improvement of the methods, and develop insight regarding optical degradation. Contemporary materials were examined, including: poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), polyolefin elastomer (POE), and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) encapsulants; a poly(ethene-co-tetrafluoroethene)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (ETFE/PET) transparent backsheet; and a polystyrene (PS) working reference material. The use of silica-, specialty-, and rolled-glass was also compared in laminated coupons. Specimen size was separately examined from 2.5 cm to 12.5 cm. Weathering was performed with a xenon source, using IEC TS 62788-7-2 methods A2, A3, A4, and A5 (chamber temperature of 55 Degrees C, 65 Degrees C, 75 Degrees C, or 85 Degrees C), respectively. Characterizations were made using a UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer (transmittance and reflectance, with and without an integrating sphere), a UV-VIS fluorescence spectrophotometer, a camera, and an optical microscope. Performance was analyzed, including solar weighted transmittance, yellowness index, UV cut-off wavelength, and haze (scattering). Separate Arrhenius analyses were performed to assess retention of transmittance and changes in yellowness index. The activation energy for both characteristics was found to range from 15 kJ?mol-1-80 kJ/mol-1, with an average of 48 kJ/mol-1, similar to the average of 45 kJ/mol-1 identified in the previous international PV Quality Assurance Task Force (PVQAT) Task Group 5 (TG5) study of more traditional encapsulants. The separate degradation modes of discoloration and scattering were distinguished in the encapsulants using a comprehensive spectral characterization. Based on these results, the IEC 62788-1-7 pass/fail criteria of 5% change in transmittance was confirmed to identify a known bad encapsulant.

durability↗

Implications of Electron Transport Layer and Back Metal Contact Variations in Tin–Lead Perovskite Solar Cells Assessed by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry and External Quantum Efficiency

The structural and optical properties of hybrid organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells are measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry to reveal an optically distinct interfacial layer among the back contact metal, charge transport, and absorber layers. Understanding how this interfacial layer impacts performance is essential for developing higher performing solar cells. Here, this interfacial layer is modeled by Bruggeman effective medium approximations (EMAs) to contain perovskite, C 60 , BCP, and metal. External quantum efficiency (EQE) simulations that consider scattering, electronic losses, and the formation of nonparallel interfaces are created with input derived from ellipsometry structural-optical models and compared with experimental EQE to estimate optical losses. This nonplanar interface causes optical losses in short circuit current density (JSC) of up to 1.2 mA cm –2 . A study of glass/C 60 /SnO 2 /Ag or Cu and glass/C 60 /BCP/Ag film stacks shows that C 60 and BCP mix, but replacing BCP with SnO 2 can prevent mixing between the ETLs to prevent contact between C 60 and back contact metal and enable the formation of a planar interface between ETLs and back contact metals.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Conceptual design and performance predictions for 2D beam emission spectroscopy turbulence measurements at Wendelstein 7-X

A conceptual design for a 2D beam emission spectroscopy diagnostic system to measure ion gyro-scale plasma turbulence at Wendeslstein 7-X is described. The conceptual design identifies field-aligned viewing geometries and ports for cross-field turbulence measurements in the neutral beam volume. A 2D sightline grid covers the outer plasma region, and the grid configuration provides sufficient k-space coverage in radial and poloidal directions for ion temperature gradient and trapped-electron mode turbulence measurements. Emission intensity estimates, optical transmission losses, and detector noise levels indicate that the measurements will be sensitive to plasma density fluctuations as small as δn/n ≈ 0.5% with a bandwidth of 1 MHz. Implementation challenges include a small beam emission Doppler shift due to nearly radial heating beams and reduced optical throughput due to collection aperture limitations.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Effects of elevated-temperature deposition on the atomic structure of amorphous Ta 2 O 5 films

Brownian thermal noise as a result of mechanical loss in optical coatings will become the dominant source of noise at the most sensitive frequencies of ground-based gravitational-wave detectors. Experiments found, however, that a candidate material, amorphous Ta 2 O 5 , is unable to form an ultrastable glass and, consequently, to yield a film with significantly reduced mechanical loss through elevated-temperature deposition alone. X-ray scattering PDF measurements are carried out on films deposited and subsequently annealed at various temperatures. Inverse atomic modeling is used to analyze the short and medium range features in the atomic structure of these films. Furthermore, in silico deposition simulations of Ta 2 O 5 are carried out at various substrate temperatures and an atomic level analysis of the growth at high temperatures is presented. It is observed that upon elevated-temperature deposition, short range features remain identical, whereas medium range order increases. After annealing, however, both the short and medium range orders of films deposited at different substrate temperatures are nearly identical. A discussion on the surface diffusion and glass transition temperatures indicates that future pursuits of ultrastable low-mechanical-loss films through elevated temperature deposition should focus on materials with a high surface mobility, and/or lower glass transition temperatures in the range of achievable deposition temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Metalens formed by structured arrays of atomic emitters

Abstract Arrays of atomic emitters have proven to be a promising platform to manipulate and engineer optical properties, due to their efficient cooperative response to near‐resonant light. Here, we theoretically investigate their use as an efficient metalens. We show that, by spatially tailoring the (subwavelength) lattice constants of three consecutive two‐dimensional arrays of identical atomic emitters, one can realize a large transmission coefficient with arbitrary position‐dependent phase shift, whose robustness against losses is enhanced by the collective response. To characterize the efficiency of this atomic metalens, we perform large‐scale numerical simulations involving a substantial number of atoms (N∼ 5 × 10 5 ) that is considerably larger than comparable works. Our results suggest that low‐loss, robust optical devices with complex functionalities, ranging from metasurfaces to computer‐generated holograms, could be potentially assembled from properly engineered arrays of atomic emitters.

Materials Science↗

Self-Aligned Selective Area Front Contacts on Poly -Si/SiO x Passivating Contact c -Si Solar Cells

We report both polarity poly-Si/SiO x passivating contacts in a front/back device configuration may represent the next solar cell architecture after tunnel oxide passivating contacts (TOPCon) cells, but high parasitic absorption in the front poly -Si layer often limits its performance. This work explores a wet etching technique to remove the front poly -Si in the nonmetallized regions using self-aligned metal grids as an etch mask. We systematically examine various dielectric layers (SiN x ,Al 2 O 3 , and stacks thereof) to study the repassivation of the etched n + surface, and find that an SiN x /Al 2 O 3 passivation stack can effectively repassivate the etched surface, which we attribute to field-effect passivation from the positive fixed charge from the SiN x layer, and excellent chemical passivation property from Al 2 O 3 in the form of atomic H. We demonstrate a front/back poly-Si/SiO x passivating contact device, with an open-circuit voltage (V oc ) of 690 mV, short-circuit current density (J sc ) of 39.8 mA/cm 2 , fill factor of 78%, and power conversion efficiency of 21.4%. Furthermore, simulations using SunSolve and Quokka 3 show good agreement with both the optical and electrical properties of the experimental device. The power loss analysis reveals improvements in the optical loss from the back Ti adhesion and front SiN x layers would lead to a 23.5% device. Lastly, a techno-economic model compares the production cost of this improved cell with the current TOPCon cells. Our results highlight that further cost reductions in single-sided doped poly -Si layers are needed to compete with mainstream passivated emitter and rear cell, and TOPCon technologies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells: Progressive Deposition Techniques and Future Prospects on Large-area Fabrication

Colloidally grown nanosized semiconductors yield extremely high-quality optoelectronic materials. Many examples have pointed to near perfect photoluminescence quantum yields, meaning non-radiative optical processes (losses) can be completely suppressed allowing for technology-leading materials as high purity color centers in display technology and emitters in LEDs. Furthermore, because of high chemical yield, and improved understanding of the surfaces, these materials, particularly colloidal quantum dots (QDs) can also be ideal candidates for other optoelectronic applications. Given the strong drive toward carbon neutrality and limiting climate change, electricity from solar photovoltaics will play a large role in the power generation sector. QDs have been developed and shown dramatic improvements over the past 15 years as photoactive materials in photovoltaics and have unique potential with various innovative deposition properties which could lead to exceptionally low-cost and high-performance devices. Once the key issues related to charge transport in optically thick arrays are addressed, QD-based photovoltaic technology could become a better candidate for practical application. In this article, w e show how the possibilities of different deposition techniques could bring QD-based solar cells to the industrial level and discuss the challenges for perovskite QD solar cells in particular, to achieve large-area fabrication for further advancing technology to solve pivotal energy and environmental issues.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Multiscale Characterization of Photovoltaic Modules—Case Studies of Contact and Interconnect Degradation

The current popularity of photovoltaic (PV) systems is due in large part to their exceptional reliability and significantly lower cost than other energy sources. Studying cell and module degradation is key to promote further development in the state of the art. Fielded or accelerated aged modules exhibit different failure modes, of which metallization degradation (contacts and interconnections) is prevalent. In this work, we discuss how multiscale characterization methods can be applied to a variety of module technologies that have been field exposed and have undergone accelerated age testing. These methods include performing characterization on the module level, cell level, and finally the materials level. The observed performance losses from the module- and cell-level characterization can be correlated with materials properties to find out the root cause of degradation. We recommend an initial nondestructive characterization suite, including module- and cell-level current-voltage ( I--V ), Suns-V OC , photoluminescence and electroluminescence imaging, quantum efficiency, ultraviolet fluorescence imaging, and thermal infrared imaging. Samples are then extracted from particularly degraded regions of the module and prepared for materials characterization techniques, such as top-down and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, allowing a deeper look into the mechanism behind the metallization degradation. This article serves as an instructional review to introduce the different multiscale characterization methods and how they can be effectively applied to perform PV degradation studies. Furthermore, we also share some of our examples and discuss the strengths, limitations, and best practices for each of the characterization techniques.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

PV encapsulant formulations and stress test conditions influence dominant degradation mechanisms

Polyethylene-based poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA), polyolefin elastomer (POE), and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) are common polymer candidates for photovoltaic (PV) module encapsulants. The choice of encapsulant must be carefully considered in novel module designs, such as bifacial glass/glass laminates, to limit performance degradation through loss of optical transmittance, mechanical integrity, and corrosion - as well as potential-induced degradation. Encapsulant quality and resilience against environmental stressors are readily influenced by the additives in the encapsulant formulation. Here, we show that, the changes in optical transmittance after UV aging result from the discoloration caused by interactions between additives, and optical scattering from changes in the polymer crystal structure. We observed competing cross-linking and chain scission mechanisms, with their kinetics influenced by the presence of oxygen and elevated temperatures. Increasing chamber temperatures from 55 °C to 85 °C during the UV stress test amplified encapsulant discoloration and promoted polymer cross-linking, causing severe, irreversible damage that remains to be proven field relevant. Damp heat aging was found to be insufficient to produce significant encapsulant degradation; however, combining stress tests sequentially allowed detection of further degradation beyond the limitations of the damp heat test alone. Appropriate degradation screening methods are necessary to uncover potential encapsulant weaknesses.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Tandem Catalytic Antioxidant Nanoparticles Comprising Cerium Carbonate and Photoactive Metal Oxides

While photoactive metal oxides such as TiO 2 find widespread use in paints and coatings as well as cosmetics and suncare products, they also generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which degrade materials and are associated with human-health pathologies. Here, we demonstrate a robust and potent catalytic antioxidant consisting of earth-abundant cerium carbonate nanoparticles and micron-size Ce 2 (CO 3 ) 3 . 8H 2 O, which are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning nanobeam electron diffraction. When dispersed with photoactive metal oxides, these cerium carbonate catalysts decrease the photodecomposition rate of organic dyes and commercial pigment colorants in aqueous media by up to 820-fold, as well as in acrylic coatings. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and kinetic experiments support the same tandem catalysis mechanism of photoprotection when using both micron-size Ce 2 (CO 3 ) 3 . 8H 2 O and cerium carbonate nanoparticles. This mechanism involves ROS disproportionation (catalyzed by cerium carbonate) and H 2 O 2 decomposition (partially catalyzed by TiO 2 ) pathways, both of which cerium carbonate also catalyzes on its own, crudely mimicking the function of the cascade system of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes. When cerium carbonate nanoparticles were dispersed at 2 wt % in polymethylmethacrylate, the transparency of the polymer film was preserved and the photo-oxidative degradation of the polymer was prevented following UV irradiation at 254 nm, which otherwise resulted in the loss of optical properties and hydroxylation as characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, in the control polymer lacking cerium carbonate. Similar observations were made regarding color preservation in paint films comprising dye and insoluble commercial colorant pigments. The material chemistry associated with this photoprotection catalysis is subtle and emphasizes the importance of both Ce(III) and carbonate together, as both CePO 4 and Na 2 CO 3 are inactive. In conclusion, this emphasis is also apparent in comparisons of photoprotection catalysis with previously reported cerium oxide nanoparticles, which are significantly less active compared with Ce 2 (CO 3 ) 3 . 8H 2 O under the same conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗