Bachelor / Master Project Advertisement – Photovoltaics

Research Goal

Flexible solar cells with a thin-film absorber made from Cu(In,Ga)Se2 can be industrially manufactured on stainless steel foils, and the efficiency has recently been improved further by replacing part of the Cu with Ag. However, inhomogeneities of the charge-collection efficiency at the nanoscale have been observed that limit the overall efficiency. Within this project, such inhomogeneities in industrial solar cells shall be investigated and correlated with the elemental distribution to unveil the mechanisms responsible for local underperformance. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of the inhomogeneities will allow to eliminate defects and contribute to the design of solar cells with even greater efficiency.

Tasks

• Analysis of X-ray microscopy data from synchrotrons in Chicago and Hamburg with respect to the nanoscale performance and elemental distribution.
• Measurement of microscale performance using laser-beam induced current and comparison of the results with X-ray beam induced current
• Participation at synchrotron beamtimes
• Scientific presentation of the results

If you are interested in the project, don’t hesitate to write us an email or talk to us after lectures.

Conditions

Program: Physics, CiS, Nanoscience

Where: DESY

Remote-office regulations may apply, according to the current COVID-19 situation

Language: German, English

Contact

Dr. Michael Stückelberger

michael.stueckelberger@desy.de

DESY Photon Science

Bldg. 25f, Room L462 – Notkestr. 85, D-22607 Hamburg