Product Review: INDEOtec’s Octopus II PECVD system provides superior film thickness uniformity

June 8, 2016
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The OCTOPUS II system generation deploys several new PECVD reactor elements for RF and VHF plasma deposition such as the Mirror reactor concept.

INDEOtec’s Octopus II PECVD system has proven capabilities in the formation of heterojunction solar cells that enables top and bottom side thin film substrate deposition without the need of substrate flipping and vacuum breakage. The proprietary reactor design and a unique electrode arrangement allow low plasma ignition levels and low ion bombardments, which result in superior film thickness uniformity and excellent passivation levels.

Problem

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

The ability to provide double-sided PECVD deposition of intrinsic and p/n doped a-Si:H layers for heterojunction PV cell devices has the potential to both lower processing costs and provide superior film thickness uniformity and passivation levels that provide higher overall cell conversion efficiencies. 

Solution

The OCTOPUS II system generation deploys several new PECVD reactor elements for RF and VHF plasma deposition such as the Mirror reactor concept, which enables the top and bottom side thin film substrate deposition without the need of substrate flipping and vacuum breakage. The proprietary reactor design and a unique electrode arrangement allow low plasma ignition levels and low ion bombardments, which result in superior film thickness uniformity and excellent passivation levels. Another benefit is the capability of creating various, chemically homogeneous thickness profiles across the substrate surface.

Applications

The system can deposit semi-conducting layers: a-Si:H, µc-Si:H, nc-Si:H, SiGe:H etc. Multiple layers (layer stacks) may also be deposited in one reactor without any interruption of the vacuum.

Platform

The OCTOPUS platform the company offers a modular and fully automated cluster deposition system for the deposition of various singular or multiple stacks of thin films by means of PECVD or PVD. The OCTOPUS system significantly reduces the substrate handling and avoids vacuum breakage between top and bottom side deposition cycles.

Availability

Currently available.

Read Next

December 12, 2025
India’s flagship solar PV manufacturing incentive has driven “robust growth” in the sector since its launch, but hurdles remain to building a complete domestic supply chain.
Premium
December 11, 2025
Slowing solar PV and energy storage installations in Europe risks “competitiveness and security at a pivotal moment”, according to the head of SolarPower Europe.
December 9, 2025
Indian solar PV manufacturer Waaree Energies has signed a 288MWp solar module supply deal with US project developer Sabanci Renewables.
December 1, 2025
Multinational solar manufacturer Canadian Solar will assume direct control of its US solar PV and energy storage manufacturing operations, in a strategic move which may reduce its supply chain risks.
December 1, 2025
Swedish thin-film solar manufacturer Midsummer will ship up to 200MW worth of manufacturing equipment to a planned thin-film solar PV manufacturing facility in Colombia.
Premium
December 1, 2025
Steven Xuereb of Kiwa PI Berlin discusses the PV industry’s progress in addressing performance and reliability concerns around TOPCon technology.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
December 17, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA