CAMECA’s IMS 7f-Auto is a key tool for optimizing the performance of Si-based PV devices

For solar photovoltaic installations, different material systems are being employed while combining two apparently contradictory challenges: increasing solar cell yield and reducing manufacturing costs. Silicon based solar cell device manufacturing is based on PV Si feedstock of upgraded metallurgical-grade silicon with at least 6N purity. The quality control of the Si purification process is mandatory to ensure high yield manufacturing.

Solution

CAMECA’s new IMS 7f-Auto provides quantitative measurement of the trace element impurity concentration in PV Si feedstock with detection limits from the ppm down to the ppb range, depending on the species to be analyzed. The performance of the CAMECA IMS 7f-Auto is particularly attractive for the analysis of light elements (H, C, O, N), main Si dopants (B, P, As), as well as metals (Al, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, et al). Opposite to Time-Of-Flight SIMS tools, the detection limits of the IMS 7f-Auto are improved when increasing the profiling speed. PV Si can be analyzed in its original physical form with fast and easy sample preparation. Due to its new motorized storage chamber and sample transfer, the IMS 7f-Auto can be used 24 hours a day with minimum operator intervention, and measurements can be fully unattended and automated, with unequalled throughput and reproducibility.

Applications

R&D of novel PV cells, process control of Si-based PV devices.

Platform

The sophisticated magnetic sector Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer integrates mature technologies from CAMECA’s SIMS with additional developments, including a fully redesigned primary column, a motorized storage chamber, and new, advanced automation routines.

Availability

Currently available.