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

Premium
September 11, 2026
The financial difficulties of one of Europe’s best-known downstream solar companies highlight the faultlines running through the continent’s PV and energy storage business.
September 11, 2026
Plans for the US’ “first end-to-end” solar PV critical materials recovery and recycling facility have been announced.
September 11, 2026
This week's PV Chart of the Week profiles the technology breakdown of projected US solar module production capacity.
Premium
September 11, 2026
PV Talk: PERC has the potential to be a “workhorse” in the US cell manufacturing space, Suniva's Matt Card tells PV Tech Premium.
September 11, 2026
Italian power utility Enel has bought two solar PV projects in the US with a combined 625MW of generation capacity.
September 11, 2026
Georgia Power has secured Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) approval for seven solar PPAs totalling 1,137MW under its CARES programmes.

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