A joint development program is to mesh atomic layer deposition (ALD) with large-area substrates to provide production tool technology for improved buffer and barrier layer deposition for thin-film PV modules, including CIGS.
SoLayTec will supply expertise is has in ALD injector head technology used in its c-Si solar cell ‘InPassion’ tool, while Smit Ovens will take the role of machine integrator and act as contract partner to the customers via the Solliance CIGS/CZTS program.
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The process development tool could also be used for improved TFT structures as required for next-generation OLED displays, according to the partners and is expected to be will be integrated in the existing CIGS development line at Solliance.
Wiro Zijlmans, CEO of Smit Ovens said, “We are very excited about this cooperation since it allows us to achieve two strategic targets at the same time. We are able to offer an advanced process solution for the buffer layer to our existing customers for CIGS crystallization. On top of that we are able to expand our market penetration in the Display market which we were already addressing with drying & sintering solutions.”
“After having successfully launched our first products in the market for crystalline PV, we now are able to use the proven deposition technology for the next market opportunity,” added Huib Heezen, managing director of SoLayTec. “Also, we are very enthusiastic about our cooperation with an experience player as Smit ovens as this enables us to market both our combined areas of expertise within a short time frame.”
Indeed, the companies expect the program will lead to a production ready tool in a faster time than would be typical, though possible market entry timescales were not disclosed.