Improving Solar Cells with Photoluminescence Imaging
Chatswood, NSW
BT Imaging (BTi) is an Australian-based supplier of Luminescence Imaging Systems. They commissioned CPE Systems to develop a control, analysis and reporting software package for their first Luminescence imaging product, the LIS-R1, which allows photovoltaic cell manufacturers to improve the quality and yield of silicon blocks, wafers and solar cells. It can be utilised at any stage of the manufacturing process, including research, product and process development, inline manufacturing inspection, and quality control.
The software was developed entirely in NI LabVIEWTM, providing data acquisition, analysis, system control and an inspiring user interface that takes measurement software to the next level. The system measures various cell parameters such as I-V curves, photoluminescence and electrolumines-cence, which are used to determine the quality and lifetime characteristics of cells.
Photoluminescence (PL) imaging is the primary mechanism used in the LIS-R1, to detect various faults or imperfections of silicon blocks, wafers, photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic modules.
BTi’s innovative PL imaging technology enables high resolution images of silicon luminescent emission to be measured with fast acquisition times. High resolution images reveal material and electrical parameters such as the minority carrier lifetime and series resistance, which can be obtained quickly enough for inline monitoring.