Product Code: ICAL09_M1107

Optimization of the Structuring Processes of CI(G)S Thin-Film Solar Cells with an Ultrafast Picosecond Laser and a Special Beam Shaping Optics
Authors:
Erwin Steiger, Steiger LaserService; Maisach Germany
Michael Scharnagl, High Q Laser Innovation GmbH; Hohenems Austria
Matthias Kemnitzer, Munich University of Applied Sciences; Munchen Germany
Alexander Laskin, MolTech GmbH; Berlin Germany
Presented at ICALEO 2009

Low cost CuIn(Ga)Se2 (CI(G)S), CdTe and GaAs thin film solar cells with photosensitive film thicknesses in the range of a few microns - either on thick flat glass substrates or thin flexible substrates like plastic or metal foils - are gaining ground in the solar cell market compared to the traditional and expensive Si solar cells. We report on the optimization of the different structuring processes (P1, P2 and P3 structuring) of CI(G)S thin film solar cells regarding process speed, structuring quality and efficient ablation strategies with a special beam shaping oftics (F-PiShaper_9_1064) and an ultrafast picosecond laser system designed for industrial use and 24/7 operation. The structured samples were optically analyzed using stereo and confocal microscopes. The ablation structures obtained with the picosecond laser system are compared with the mechanical structuring processes using fine metal needles for high volume production of thin film solar cells and modules.