Ultrafast laser scribing works well for thin-film solar cells

March 8, 2011
Researchers at Purdue University are studying the use of a picosecond laser to scribe thin-film solar cells via cold ablation, testing on films of molybdenum and zinc oxide.

West Lafayette, IN--Researchers at Purdue University are studying the use of a picosecond laser to scribe thin-film solar cells via cold ablation, testing on films of molybdenum and zinc oxide. After scribing these films, they measured the slot profiles with a surface profilometer and a scanning electron microscope, finding 0.1 micron accuracy, sharp edges, and a flat bottom.

The innovation may help to overcome two major obstacles that hinder widespread adoption of solar cells: high manufacturing costs and low efficiency, according to Yung Shin, a professor of mechanical engineering and director of Purdue University's Center for Laser-Based Manufacturing.

Critical to both are the microchannels needed to interconnect a series of solar panels into an array capable of generating useable amounts of power, he said. Conventional scribing methods, which create the channels mechanically with a stylus, are slow and expensive and produce imperfect channels, impeding solar cells' performance.

"Although laser scribing has been studied extensively, until now we haven't been able to precisely control lasers to accurately create the microchannels to the exacting specifications required," Shin said.

A research paper demonstrating the feasibility of the technique was published in Proceedings of the 2011 NSF Engineering Research and Innovation Conference in January.

Follow us on Twitter

Subscribe now to Laser Focus World magazine; it’s free!

About the Author

John Wallace | Senior Technical Editor (1998-2022)

John Wallace was with Laser Focus World for nearly 25 years, retiring in late June 2022. He obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and physics at Rutgers University and a master's in optical engineering at the University of Rochester. Before becoming an editor, John worked as an engineer at RCA, Exxon, Eastman Kodak, and GCA Corporation.

Sponsored Recommendations

Request a quote: Micro 3D Printed Part or microArch micro-precision 3D printers

April 11, 2024
See the results for yourself! We'll print a benchmark part so that you can assess our quality. Just send us your file and we'll get to work.

Request a free Micro 3D Printed sample part

April 11, 2024
The best way to understand the part quality we can achieve is by seeing it first-hand. Request a free 3D printed high-precision sample part.

How to Tune Servo Systems: The Basics

April 10, 2024
Learn how to tune a servo system using frequency-based tools to meet system specifications by watching our webinar!

Precision Motion Control for Sample Manipulation in Ultra-High Resolution Tomography

April 10, 2024
Learn the critical items that designers and engineers must consider when attempting to achieve reliable ultra-high resolution tomography results here!

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!