Product Code: ICA10_M1307

Laser Structuring of Thin Films for Organic Solar Cells
Authors:
Aart Schoonderbeek, Photovoltaics Group, Department: Technologies for Non-Metals, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.; Hannover Germany
Maik Baerenklau, Experimental Physics I, Institute of Physics, Ilmenau University of Technology; Ilmenau Germany
Roland Roesch, Experimental Physics I, Institute of Physics, Ilmenau University of Technology; Ilmenau Germany
Burhan Muhsin, Experimental Physics I, Institute of Physics, Ilmenau University of Technology; Ilmenau Germany
Oliver Haupt, Photovoltaics Group, Department: Technologies for Non-Metals, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.; Hannover Germany
Harald Hoppe, Experimental Physics I, Institute of Physics, Ilmenau University of Technology; Ilmenau Germany
Dieter Teckhaus, Sk-Kassetten Gmbh & Co. Kg; Neuenrade Germany
Uwe Stute, Photovoltaics Group, Department: Technologies for Non-Metals, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.; Hannover Germany
Presented at ICALEO 2010

Many R&D activities currently concentrate on low-cost production concepts for photovoltaics. Because of their low material price organic thin film cells possess the potential to provide module market prices below $1/Wp. In this publication we report on a roll-to-roll production technology for monolithical series connection of organic thin-film solar cells based on laser structuring.

Due to the different material properties of the layers, structuring experiments are performed with a broad range of laser sources. Various parameters like wavelength (e.g. 355 nm, 532 nm, and 1064 nm), pulse durations, pulse energy and spot-to-spot overlap have been studied to obtain a profound understanding of the laser-material interaction mechanisms. The focus of the experiments is to obtain an optimal edge quality without damaging the layer structure.

Results are presented, obtained with optimized parameters for laser structuring the several layers used in organic thin-film modules. Good results are obtained with lasers with nanosecond pulse durations and wavelengths of 1064 nm and 532 nm, depending on the processed layer. Processing speeds > 1 m/s are realized, as required in industry. Optical and scanning electron microscope images are used to analyze the quality of the structuring. Furthermore, the electrical performance of the modules is analyzed, to show the applicability of the technology for future mass production of organic solar modules.