Project R-13245

Characterization and modelling of tandem solar cells and modules (Research)

The heart of this PhD thesis is two-fold: (1) detailed optical, electrical and material characterization of the absorbers and fully fabricated devices, and (2) modelling of the device physics of tandem solar cells in different electrical configurations (i.e., 2, 3 and 4-terminal). Characterization techniques such as ellipsometry, X-ray diffraction, UV photoelectron spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence (PL), PL quantum yield, and electrical will be used to gain insights into specific material or device properties. Simulation software such as Sunsolve and Sentaurus TCAD will be available to build a physics-based optoelectrical model of the tandem solar cells, based on the properties of the different layers and their interfaces. The developed models will be validated using functional devices, and subsequently used to analyze the main loss factors and suggest improvements to the device design. Comparison of the different electrical configurations would be done in both monofacial and bifacial modes, and configuration-dependent device optimization will be done. Gaining such insights into the device characteristics is key to boosting the performance of tandem solar cells.

16 September 2022 - 15 September 2026