Advanced Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cells

Download Advanced Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cells PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Institution of Engineering and Technology
ISBN 13 : 1839530235
Total Pages : 457 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (395 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Advanced Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cells by : Mowafak Al-Jassim

Download or read book Advanced Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cells written by Mowafak Al-Jassim and published by Institution of Engineering and Technology. This book was released on 2020-09-17 with total page 457 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Polycrystalline thin-film solar cells have reached a levelized cost of energy that is competitive with all other sources of electricity. The technology has significantly improved in recent years, with laboratory cell efficiencies for cadmium telluride (CdTe), perovskites, and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) each exceeding 22 percent. Both CdTe and CIGS solar panels are now produced at the gigawatt scale. However, there are ongoing challenges, including the continued need to improve performance and stability while reducing cost. Advancing polycrystalline solar cell technology demands an in-depth understanding of efficiency, scaling, and degradation mechanisms, which requires sophisticated characterization methods. These methods will enable researchers and manufacturers to improve future solar modules and systems.

Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells

Download Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 37 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (893 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells by :

Download or read book Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells written by and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 37 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report describes research to develop to vacuum-based growth techniques for CdTe thin-film solar cells: (1) laser-driven physical vapor deposition (LDPVD) and (2) radio-frequency (rf) sputtering. The LDPVD process was successfully used to deposit thin films of CdS, CdTe, and CdCl2, as well as related alloys and doped semiconductor materials. The laser-driven deposition process readily permits the use of several target materials in the same vacuum chamber and, thus, complete solar cell structures were fabricated on SnO2-coated glass using LDPVD. The rf sputtering process for film growth became operational, and progress was made in implementing it. Time was also devoted to enhancing or implementing a variety of film characterization systems and device testing facilities. A new system for transient spectroscopy on the ablation plume provided important new information on the physical mechanisms of LDPVD. The measurements show that, e.g., Cd is predominantly in the neutral atomic state in the plume but with a fraction that is highly excited internally (≥ 6 eV), and that the typical neutral Cd translational kinetic energies perpendicular to the target are 20 eV and greater. 19 refs.

Coatings and Thin-Film Technologies

Download Coatings and Thin-Film Technologies PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN 13 : 1789848709
Total Pages : 288 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (898 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Coatings and Thin-Film Technologies by : Jaime Andres Perez Taborda

Download or read book Coatings and Thin-Film Technologies written by Jaime Andres Perez Taborda and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2019-01-03 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The field of coatings and thin-film technologies is rapidly advancing to keep up with new uses for semiconductor, optical, tribological, thermoelectric, solar, security, and smart sensing applications, among others. In this sense, thin-film coatings and structures are increasingly sophisticated with more specific properties, new geometries, large areas, the use of heterogeneous materials and flexible and rigid coating substrates to produce thin-film structures with improved performance and properties in response to new challenges that the industry presents. This book aims to provide the reader with a complete overview of the current state of applications and developments in thin-film technology, discussing applications, health and safety in thin films, and presenting reviews and experimental results of recognized experts in the area of coatings and thin-film technologies.

Solar Cells and Modules

Download Solar Cells and Modules PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030464873
Total Pages : 357 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (34 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Solar Cells and Modules by : Arvind Shah

Download or read book Solar Cells and Modules written by Arvind Shah and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-07-16 with total page 357 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book gives a comprehensive introduction to the field of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and modules. In thirteen chapters, it addresses a wide range of topics including the spectrum of light received by PV devices, the basic functioning of a solar cell, and the physical factors limiting the efficiency of solar cells. It places particular emphasis on crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, which constitute today more than 90 % of all modules sold worldwide. Describing in great detail both the manufacturing process and resulting module performance, the book also touches on the newest developments in this sector, such as Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCON) and heterojunction modules, while dedicating a major chapter to general questions of module design and fabrication. Overall, it presents the essential theoretical and practical concepts of PV solar cells and modules in an easy-to-understand manner and discusses current challenges facing the global research and development community.

Thin Film Solar Cells

Download Thin Film Solar Cells PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 0470091266
Total Pages : 504 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (7 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Thin Film Solar Cells by : Jef Poortmans

Download or read book Thin Film Solar Cells written by Jef Poortmans and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2006-10-16 with total page 504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thin-film solar cells are either emerging or about to emerge from the research laboratory to become commercially available devices finding practical various applications. Currently no textbook outlining the basic theoretical background, methods of fabrication and applications currently exist. Thus, this book aims to present for the first time an in-depth overview of this topic covering a broad range of thin-film solar cell technologies including both organic and inorganic materials, presented in a systematic fashion, by the scientific leaders in the respective domains. It covers a broad range of related topics, from physical principles to design, fabrication, characterization, and applications of novel photovoltaic devices.

Fundamentals of Solar Cell Design

Download Fundamentals of Solar Cell Design PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1119724708
Total Pages : 578 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (197 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Fundamentals of Solar Cell Design by : Inamuddin

Download or read book Fundamentals of Solar Cell Design written by Inamuddin and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-08-24 with total page 578 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Solar cells are semiconductor devices that convert light photons into electricity in photovoltaic energy conversion and can help to overcome the global energy crisis. Solar cells have many applications including remote area power systems, earth-orbiting satellites, wristwatches, water pumping, photodetectors and remote radiotelephones. Solar cell technology is economically feasible for commercial-scale power generation. While commercial solar cells exhibit good performance and stability, still researchers are looking at many ways to improve the performance and cost of solar cells via modulating the fundamental properties of semiconductors. Solar cell technology is the key to a clean energy future. Solar cells directly harvest energy from the sun’s light radiation into electricity are in an ever-growing demand for future global energy production. Solar cell-based energy harvesting has attracted worldwide attention for their notable features, such as cheap renewable technology, scalable, lightweight, flexibility, versatility, no greenhouse gas emission, environment, and economy friendly and operational costs are quite low compared to other forms of power generation. Thus, solar cell technology is at the forefront of renewable energy technologies which are used in telecommunications, power plants, small devices to satellites. Aiming at large-scale implementation can be manipulated by various types used in solar cell design and exploration of new materials towards improving performance and reducing cost. Therefore, in-depth knowledge about solar cell design is fundamental for those who wish to apply this knowledge and understanding in industries and academics. This book provides a comprehensive overview on solar cells and explores the history to evolution and present scenarios of solar cell design, classification, properties, various semiconductor materials, thin films, wafer-scale, transparent solar cells, and so on. It also includes solar cells’ characterization analytical tools, theoretical modeling, practices to enhance conversion efficiencies, applications and patents.

Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering

Download Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 0470721693
Total Pages : 1172 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (77 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering by : Antonio Luque

Download or read book Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering written by Antonio Luque and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-01-31 with total page 1172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The most comprehensive, authoritative and widely cited reference on photovoltaic solar energy Fully revised and updated, the Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering, Second Edition incorporates the substantial technological advances and research developments in photovoltaics since its previous release. All topics relating to the photovoltaic (PV) industry are discussed with contributions by distinguished international experts in the field. Significant new coverage includes: three completely new chapters and six chapters with new authors device structures, processing, and manufacturing options for the three major thin film PV technologies high performance approaches for multijunction, concentrator, and space applications new types of organic polymer and dye-sensitized solar cells economic analysis of various policy options to stimulate PV growth including effect of public and private investment Detailed treatment covers: scientific basis of the photovoltaic effect and solar cell operation the production of solar silicon and of silicon-based solar cells and modules how choice of semiconductor materials and their production influence costs and performance making measurements on solar cells and modules and how to relate results under standardised test conditions to real outdoor performance photovoltaic system installation and operation of components such as inverters and batteries. architectural applications of building-integrated PV Each chapter is structured to be partially accessible to beginners while providing detailed information of the physics and technology for experts. Encompassing a review of past work and the fundamentals in solar electric science, this is a leading reference and invaluable resource for all practitioners, consultants, researchers and students in the PV industry.

Thin Film Solar Cells

Download Thin Film Solar Cells PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Wiley
ISBN 13 : 0470091274
Total Pages : 502 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (7 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Thin Film Solar Cells by : Jef Poortmans

Download or read book Thin Film Solar Cells written by Jef Poortmans and published by Wiley. This book was released on 2006-10-02 with total page 502 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thin-film solar cells are either emerging or about to emerge from the research laboratory to become commercially available devices finding practical various applications. Currently no textbook outlining the basic theoretical background, methods of fabrication and applications currently exist. Thus, this book aims to present for the first time an in-depth overview of this topic covering a broad range of thin-film solar cell technologies including both organic and inorganic materials, presented in a systematic fashion, by the scientific leaders in the respective domains. It covers a broad range of related topics, from physical principles to design, fabrication, characterization, and applications of novel photovoltaic devices.

Thin-film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells. Final Subcontract Report, 1 November 1992--1 January 1994

Download Thin-film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells. Final Subcontract Report, 1 November 1992--1 January 1994 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 32 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (682 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Thin-film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells. Final Subcontract Report, 1 November 1992--1 January 1994 by :

Download or read book Thin-film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells. Final Subcontract Report, 1 November 1992--1 January 1994 written by and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report describes work to develop and optimize radio-frequency (rf) sputtering for the deposition of thin films of cadmium telluride (CdTe) and related semiconductors for thin-film solar cells. Pulsed laser physical vapor deposition was also used for exploratory work on these materials, especially where alloying or doping are involved, and for the deposition of cadmium chloride layers. The sputtering work utilized a 2-in diameter planar magnetron sputter gun. The film growth rate by rf sputtering was studied as a function of substrate temperature, gas pressure, and rf power. Complete solar cells were fabricated on tin-oxide-coated soda-lime glass substrates. Currently, work is being done to improve the open-circuit voltage by varying the CdTe-based absorber layer, and to improve the short-circuit current by modifying the CdS window layer.

High-Efficiency Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells ; Final Subcontract Report, Final Technical Report, 21 January 1994-31 March 1998

Download High-Efficiency Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells ; Final Subcontract Report, Final Technical Report, 21 January 1994-31 March 1998 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 49 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (683 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis High-Efficiency Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells ; Final Subcontract Report, Final Technical Report, 21 January 1994-31 March 1998 by :

Download or read book High-Efficiency Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells ; Final Subcontract Report, Final Technical Report, 21 January 1994-31 March 1998 written by and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 49 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report describes work performed during the past year by The University of Toledo photovoltaics group. Researchers continued to develop rf sputtering for CdS/CdTe thin-film solar cells and to optimize the post-deposition process steps to match the characteristics of the sputtering process. During the fourth phase of the present contract, we focused on determining factors that limit the efficiency in our ''all-sputtered'' thin-film CdTe solar cells on soda-lime glass. These issues include controlling CdS/CdTe interdiffusion, understanding the properties of the CdS(subscript x)Te{sub 1-x} alloy, optimizing process conditions for CdCl2 treatments, manipulating the influence of ion bombardment during rf sputtering, and understanding the role of copper in quenching photoluminescence and carrier lifetimes in CdTe. To better understand the important CdS/CdTe interdiffusion process, we have continued our collaboration with the University at Buffalo and Brookhaven National Synchrotron Light Source in measurements using grazing-incidence X-rays. Interdiffusion results in the formation of the ternary alloy material CdS(subscript x)Te{sub 1-x} at or near the heterojunction, where its properties are critical to the operation of the solar cell. We have placed significant effort on characterizing this alloy, an effort begun in the last phase. A complete set of films spanning the alloy range, prepared by pulsed-laser deposition, has now been characterized by wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and optical absorption at NREL; by Raman scattering, X-ray diffraction, and electrical measurements in our lab; and by spectroscopic ellipsometry at Brooklyn College. We continued to participate in cooperative activity with the CdTe National Team. We prepared a series of depositions on borosilicate glass substrates having doped SnO2 layers coated with TiO2 (prepared by the University of South Florida and Harvard) and similar substrates having a resistive SnO2 layer on the doped tin oxide (fabricated by Golden Photon). The Golden Photon high-resistivity SnO2 structure yielded excellent cell performance.

Advances in Thin-Film Solar Cells

Download Advances in Thin-Film Solar Cells PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 0429668384
Total Pages : 348 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (296 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Advances in Thin-Film Solar Cells by : I. M. Dharmadasa

Download or read book Advances in Thin-Film Solar Cells written by I. M. Dharmadasa and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-09-05 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Solar energy conversion plays a very important role in the rapid introduction of renewable energy, which is essential to meet future energy demands without further polluting the environment, but current solar panels based on silicon are expensive due to the cost of raw materials and high energy consumption during production. The way forward is to move towards thin-film solar cells using alternative materials and low-cost manufacturing methods. The photovoltaic community is actively researching thin-film solar cells based on amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), and dye-sensitised and organic materials. However, progress has been slow due to a lack of proper understanding of the physics behind these devices. This book concentrates on the latest developments and attempts to improve our understanding of solid-state device physics. The material presented is mainly experimental and based on CdTe thin-film solar cells. The author extends these new findings to CIGS thin-film solar cells and presents a new device design based on graded bandgap multi-layer solar cells. This design has been experimentally tested using the well-researched GaAs/AlGaAs system, and initial devices have shown impressive device parameters. These devices are capable of absorbing all radiation (UV, visible and infra-red) within the solar spectrum and combine "impact ionisation" and "impurity photovoltaic" effects. The improved device understanding presented in this book should impact and guide future photovoltaic device development and low-cost thin-film solar panel manufacture. This new edition features an additional chapter besides exercises and their solutions, which will be useful for academics teaching in this field.

Spatially Resolved Characterization in Thin-Film Photovoltaics

Download Spatially Resolved Characterization in Thin-Film Photovoltaics PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319146513
Total Pages : 106 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (191 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Spatially Resolved Characterization in Thin-Film Photovoltaics by : Matevž Bokalič

Download or read book Spatially Resolved Characterization in Thin-Film Photovoltaics written by Matevž Bokalič and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-01-22 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book is devoted to the spatial characterization of solar cells and PV modules. It is written both as a monograph as well as a succinct guide for the state-of-the-art spatial characterization techniques and approaches. Amongst the approaches discussed are visual imaging, electro- and photo-luminescence imaging, thermography, and light beam induced mapping techniques. Emphasis is given on the luminescence image acquisition and interpretation due to its great potential. Characterization techniques are accompanied by simulation tools. The contents are aimed at a readership of students and senior researchers in R&D as well as engineers in industry who are newcomers to the spatial characterization of either solar cells or PV modules. The concepts and approaches presented herein are based on but not limited to case studies of real thin-film PV devices. Key features:  Review of spatially resolved characterization techniques and accompanying SPICE simulations in photovoltaics  Use of spatially resolved characterization techniques and their combinations for the identification of inhomogeneities in small area CdTe and dye-sensitized solar cells  Case studies of electroluminescence imaging of commercial PV modules (c-Si, CIGS, CdTe, a-Si, tandem and triple junction thin-film-Si) The contents are aimed at a readership of students and senior researchers in R&D as well as engineers in industry who are newcomers to the spatial characterization of either solar cells or PV modules. The concepts and approaches presented herein are based on but not limited to case studies of real thin-film PV devices. Key features:  Review of spatially resolved characterization techniques and accompanying SPICE simulations in photovoltaics  Use of spatially resolved characterization techniques and their combinations for the identification of inhomogeneities in small area CdTe and dye-sensitized solar cells  Case studies of electroluminescence imaging of commercial PV modules (c-Si, CIGS, CdTe, a-Si, tandem and triple junction thin-film-Si)

Thin Films Photovoltaics

Download Thin Films Photovoltaics PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN 13 : 1839699051
Total Pages : 114 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (396 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Thin Films Photovoltaics by : Beddiaf Zaidi

Download or read book Thin Films Photovoltaics written by Beddiaf Zaidi and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2022-02-23 with total page 114 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thin film photovoltaic-based solar modules produce power at a low cost per watt. They are ideal candidates for large-scale solar farms as well as building-integrated photovoltaic applications. They can generate consistent power, not only at elevated temperatures but also on cloudy, overcast days and at low sun angles.Thin film photovoltaics are second-generation solar cells produced by depositing one or more thin layers, or thin films, of photosensitive material on a suitable substrate such as glass, polymer, or metal. Thin film solar cells are based on various materials such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), and amorphous thin film silicon (a-Si, TF-Si) are commercially used in several conventional and advanced technologies.

Photovoltaic Solar Energy

Download Photovoltaic Solar Energy PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 111892746X
Total Pages : 755 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (189 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Photovoltaic Solar Energy by : Angèle Reinders

Download or read book Photovoltaic Solar Energy written by Angèle Reinders and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2017-02-06 with total page 755 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Solar PV is now the third most important renewable energy source, after hydro and wind power, in terms of global installed capacity. Bringing together the expertise of international PV specialists Photovoltaic Solar Energy: From Fundamentals to Applications provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of existing PV technologies in conjunction with an assessment of technological developments. Key features: Written by leading specialists active in concurrent developments in material sciences, solar cell research and application-driven R&D. Provides a basic knowledge base in light, photons and solar irradiance and basic functional principles of PV. Covers characterization techniques, economics and applications of PV such as silicon, thin-film and hybrid solar cells. Presents a compendium of PV technologies including: crystalline silicon technologies; chalcogenide thin film solar cells; thin-film silicon based PV technologies; organic PV and III-Vs; PV concentrator technologies; space technologies and economics, life-cycle and user aspects of PV technologies. Each chapter presents basic principles and formulas as well as major technological developments in a contemporary context with a look at future developments in this rapidly changing field of science and engineering. Ideal for industrial engineers and scientists beginning careers in PV as well as graduate students undertaking PV research and high-level undergraduate students.

Thin film cadmium telluride solar cells

Download Thin film cadmium telluride solar cells PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (674 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Thin film cadmium telluride solar cells by : Southern Methodist University

Download or read book Thin film cadmium telluride solar cells written by Southern Methodist University and published by . This book was released on 1979 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Non-Uniformities in Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells Using Electroluminescence and Photoluminescence

Download Non-Uniformities in Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells Using Electroluminescence and Photoluminescence PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 6 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (873 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Non-Uniformities in Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells Using Electroluminescence and Photoluminescence by :

Download or read book Non-Uniformities in Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells Using Electroluminescence and Photoluminescence written by and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 6 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is the purpose of this research to develop specific imaging techniques that have the potential to be fast, in-line tools for quality control in thin-film CdTe solar cells. Electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence (PL) are two techniques that are currently under investigation on CdTe small area devices made at Colorado State University. It is our hope to significantly advance the understanding of EL and PL measurements as applied to CdTe. Qualitative analysis of defects and non-uniformities is underway on CdTe using EL, PL, and other imaging techniques.

Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells. Annual Subcontract Report, 23 July 1990--31 October 1991

Download Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells. Annual Subcontract Report, 23 July 1990--31 October 1991 PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 37 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (16 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells. Annual Subcontract Report, 23 July 1990--31 October 1991 by :

Download or read book Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells. Annual Subcontract Report, 23 July 1990--31 October 1991 written by and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 37 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report describes research to develop to vacuum-based growth techniques for CdTe thin-film solar cells: (1) laser-driven physical vapor deposition (LDPVD) and (2) radio-frequency (rf) sputtering. The LDPVD process was successfully used to deposit thin films of CdS, CdTe, and CdCl2, as well as related alloys and doped semiconductor materials. The laser-driven deposition process readily permits the use of several target materials in the same vacuum chamber and, thus, complete solar cell structures were fabricated on SnO2-coated glass using LDPVD. The rf sputtering process for film growth became operational, and progress was made in implementing it. Time was also devoted to enhancing or implementing a variety of film characterization systems and device testing facilities. A new system for transient spectroscopy on the ablation plume provided important new information on the physical mechanisms of LDPVD. The measurements show that, e.g., Cd is predominantly in the neutral atomic state in the plume but with a fraction that is highly excited internally (≥ 6 eV), and that the typical neutral Cd translational kinetic energies perpendicular to the target are 20 eV and greater. 19 refs.