New Product: J.A. Woollam’s AccuMap-SE provides thin film measurement of panel uniformity

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Product Briefing Outline: J.A. Woollam has integrated its Flying M-2000 Spectroscopic Ellipsometer into a mapping tool for thin-film uniformity measurements over the entire PV panel.  The high accuracy and wide spectral coverage of the M-2000 ensure that every layer in a thin film stack can be measured, while new automation has been designed to ensure fast, precise measurements over the entire panel.

Problem: The performance of thin-film PV depends on the thickness and optical properties of many different layers.  Research ellipsometers are used during product development and have helped improve PV designs.  There is a need to move research-grade ellipsometry into pilot and production lines to characterize the thickness and optical constants for the various films.  In addition, fast measurement speed is necessary to determine thin-film uniformity over the entire panel.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution: The AccuMap-SE combines the latest spectroscopic ellipsometry technology into an affordable platform for use in research, pilot, and production lines.  Measurements are performed with a Woollam's Flying M-2000 technology that provides accurate spectroscopic ellipsometry from the ultraviolet to the near infrared in a fraction of a second.  The ultraviolet spectrum is important when characterizing the crystallinity and optical properties of semiconductor layers, while the near infrared provides film thickness and conductivity measurements for transparent conductive oxide layers.  The Flying M-2000 also incorporates a proprietary head with fast, automated alignment to measure films on either front or back of the panel.

Applications: Amorphous and microcrystalline silicon or silicon-germanium films, CIGS, CdTe, CdS, any TCO material, including doped SnO2, ITO, ZnOx, etc.

Platform: For use with any panel size up to 1.1m by 1.5m.

Availability: Currently available.

Read Next

August 11, 2026
US solar module manufacturer SEG Solar inaugurates 4GW Texas module plant, taking total US manufacturing capacity to 6GW annually.
August 11, 2026
Danish energy infrastructure investor Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has reached final investment decision and financial close of the 420MW solar-plus-storage La Esperanza Solar project in Mexico.
August 11, 2026
Chinese solar tracker manufacturer Arctech has secured 425MW of utility-scale solar tracker projects across Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
August 11, 2026
European Energy has secured finance for a renewable energy project in the UK that combines 68MW of solar PV capacity and a 47.5MW/95MWh BESS.
August 11, 2026
The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security has approved the operating rules for the FER X decree with a 10GW allocation to solar PV.
August 11, 2026
EC has approved a €84 million (US$96.9 million) Danish state aid scheme to support investments in clean technology manufacturing capacity.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye