Technology and Applications of Amorphous Silicon

Technology and Applications of Amorphous Silicon
Author: Robert A. Street
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 429
Release: 2013-06-29
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3662041413

This book gives the first systematic and complete survey of technology and application of amorphous silicon, a material with a huge potential in electronic applications. The book features contributions by world-wide leading researchers in this field.

Physics and Technology of Amorphous-Crystalline Heterostructure Silicon Solar Cells

Physics and Technology of Amorphous-Crystalline Heterostructure Silicon Solar Cells
Author: Wilfried G. J. H. M. van Sark
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 588
Release: 2011-11-16
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3642222757

Today’s solar cell multi-GW market is dominated by crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafer technology, however new cell concepts are entering the market. One very promising solar cell design to answer these needs is the silicon hetero-junction solar cell, of which the emitter and back surface field are basically produced by a low temperature growth of ultra-thin layers of amorphous silicon. In this design, amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) constitutes both „emitter“ and „base-contact/back surface field“ on both sides of a thin crystalline silicon wafer-base (c-Si) where the electrons and holes are photogenerated; at the same time, a-Si:H passivates the c-Si surface. Recently, cell efficiencies above 23% have been demonstrated for such solar cells. In this book, the editors present an overview of the state-of-the-art in physics and technology of amorphous-crystalline heterostructure silicon solar cells. The heterojunction concept is introduced, processes and resulting properties of the materials used in the cell and their heterointerfaces are discussed and characterization techniques and simulation tools are presented.

Amorphous Silicon / Crystalline Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells

Amorphous Silicon / Crystalline Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Author: Wolfgang Rainer Fahrner
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 119
Release: 2013-04-23
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 364237039X

Amorphous Silicon/Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells deals with some typical properties of heterojunction solar cells, such as their history, the properties and the challenges of the cells, some important measurement tools, some simulation programs and a brief survey of the state of the art, aiming to provide an initial framework in this field and serve as a ready reference for all those interested in the subject. This book helps to “fill in the blanks” on heterojunction solar cells. Readers will receive a comprehensive overview of the principles, structures, processing techniques and the current developmental states of the devices. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang R. Fahrner is a professor at the University of Hagen, Germany and Nanchang University, China.

Thin-Film Silicon Solar Cells

Thin-Film Silicon Solar Cells
Author: Arvind Shah
Publisher: EPFL Press
Total Pages: 472
Release: 2010-08-19
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9781420066746

Photovoltaic technology has now developed to the extent that it is close to fulfilling the vision of a "solar-energy world," as devices based on this technology are becoming efficient, low-cost and durable. This book provides a comprehensive treatment of thin-film silicon, a prevalent PV material, in terms of its semiconductor nature, starting out with the physical properties, but concentrating on device applications. A special emphasis is given to amorphous silicon and microcrystalline silicon as photovoltaic materials, along with a model that allows these systems to be physically described in the simplest manner possible, thus allowing the student or scientist/engineer entering the field of thin-film electronics to master a few basic concepts that are distinct from those in the field of conventional semiconductors. The main part of the book deals with solar cells and modules by illustrating the basic functioning of these devices, along with their limitations, design optimization, testing and fabrication methods. Among the manufacturing processes discussed are plasma-assisted and hot-wire deposition, sputtering, and structuring techniques.

Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon

Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon
Author: R. A. Street
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 432
Release: 2005-09-08
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780521019347

Divided roughly into two parts, the book describes the physical properties and device applications of hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The first section is concerned with the atomic and electronic structure, and covers growth defects and doping and defect reactions. The emphasis is on the optical and electronic properties that result from the disordered structure. The second part of the book describes electronic conduction, recombination, interfaces, and multilayers. The special attribute of a-Si:H which makes it useful is the ability to deposit the material inexpensively over large areas, while retaining good semiconducting properties, and the final chapter discusses various applications and devices.

The Physics and Applications of Amorphous Semiconductors

The Physics and Applications of Amorphous Semiconductors
Author: Arun Madan
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 558
Release: 2012-12-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080924433

This comprehensive, detailed treatise on the physics and applications of the new emerging technology of amorphous semiconductors focuses on specific device research problems such as the optimization of device performance. The first part of the book presents hydrogenated amorphous silicon type alloys, whose applications include inexpensive solar cells, thin film transistors, image scanners, electrophotography, optical recording and gas sensors. The second part of the book discusses amorphous chalcogenides, whose applications include electrophotography, switching, and memory elements. This book will serve as an excellent reference source for solid state scientists and engineers, and as a useful self-contained introduction to the field for graduate students.

Plasma Deposition of Amorphous Silicon-Based Materials

Plasma Deposition of Amorphous Silicon-Based Materials
Author: Pio Capezzuto
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 339
Release: 1995-10-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080539106

Semiconductors made from amorphous silicon have recently become important for their commercial applications in optical and electronic devices including FAX machines, solar cells, and liquid crystal displays. Plasma Deposition of Amorphous Silicon-Based Materials is a timely, comprehensive reference book written by leading authorities in the field. This volume links the fundamental growth kinetics involving complex plasma chemistry with the resulting semiconductor film properties and the subsequent effect on the performance of the electronic devices produced. - Focuses on the plasma chemistry of amorphous silicon-based materials - Links fundamental growth kinetics with the resulting semiconductor film properties and performance of electronic devices produced - Features an international group of contributors - Provides the first comprehensive coverage of the subject, from deposition technology to materials characterization to applications and implementation in state-of-the-art devices

Solar Cells and Modules

Solar Cells and Modules
Author: Arvind Shah
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 357
Release: 2020-07-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030464873

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.

Solar Energy Capture Materials

Solar Energy Capture Materials
Author: Elizabeth A Gibson
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2019-08-19
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1788018508

Energy is an important area of contemporary research, with clear societal benefits. It is a fast-developing and application-driven research area, with chemistry leading the discovery of new solids, which are then studied by physicists and materials scientists. Solar Energy Capture Materials introduces a range of the different inorganic materials used, with an emphasis on how solid-state chemistry allows development of new functional solids for energy applications. Dedicated chapters cover silicon-based photovoltaic devices, compound semiconductor-based solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC), solution processed solar cells and emerging materials. Edited and written by world-renowned scientists, this book will provide a comprehensive introduction for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers wishing to learn about the topic.

Solar Energy

Solar Energy
Author: Christoph Richter
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 744
Release: 2012-11-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781461458050

Gathering some 30 entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, this book presents fundamental principles and technologies for sustainably harnessing solar energy. Covers photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar radiation and more.