Local Doping Using Laser Chemical Processing Technology

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The Local Doping Using Laser Chemical Processing Technology project further developed a novel doping method called Laser Chemical Processing (LCP) so it can be used in the production of high efficiency, low cost cells.Key resultsThe highlights of the project included:achievement of very narrow laser beams and, consequently, very narrow laser opened and doped contact regions, with excellent robustness (based on the results obtained at ANU to date) and height tolerance (the beam size is not very sensitive to substrate height)demonstration of high cell efficiencies above 20% even with a very high scan speed of 200mm/s.Together these results represent a significant step forward for Laser Chemical Processing (LCP) technology, demonstrating significant advantages over other patterning technologies.A major difficulty encountered in the project was the relative immaturity of LCP technology, which is a particular challenge as the technology combines complex optics with wet processing. Early on there were significant problems with an essential component of the system (the optical head) which caused significant delays due to the time taken to identify the problem prior to ordering and receiving replacement components. In silicon-based solar cell production, other elements (called dopants) can be added to the silicon to change its electrical properties in a process called doping.The creation of local, highly doped regions can be used to produce high efficiency silicon solar cell structures.Project innovationThe Local Doping Using Laser Chemical Processing Technology project further developed a novel doping method called Laser Chemical Processing (LCP) so it can be used in the production of high efficiency, low cost cells.The LCP technology will be used to create improved contacts on silicon solar cells, thereby increasing the efficiency and decreasing the manufacturing costs of the cells.Research during the project included the development of high-quality, targeted (localised) doping of silicon, demonstration of at least 20% efficient solar cells with LCP doping on the front side, and demonstration of front and rear LCP doped cells with efficiency of at least 20%.BenefitSuccessful outcomes from this project will significantly accelerate commercial application of LCP technology.Read more about solar PV.

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