Tosoh SMD’s sputtering targets support 18% thin-film efficiencies

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Tosoh SMD has introduced new transparent conducting oxide (TCO) sputtering targets that achieve higher solar cell efficiency than standard targets. Tosoh's new TCO targets are available in planar and rotary configurations and are composed of either traditional indium tin oxide (ITO) or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). However, they are doped with performance-enhancing additives, such that thin films deposited from these targets have improved optical properties, in particular increased transparency. As a result, the conversion efficiency of solar cells in which such thin films are applied increases more than one point compared with solar cells using thin films from conventional TCO targets. According to the company the new targets will contribute to achieving 18% energy conversion efficiency with a focus on low-cost and large-scale production.

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

TCO targets for leading-edge thin-film solar applications require a stringent combination of optical, electrical, and mechanical properties and the durability to meet manufacturers' lifetime expectations.

Solution

Tosoh's new ITO and AZO TCO targets produce films that are highly transparent, especially in the visible to infrared range, and that feature high thermal stability, including under humid conditions. The targets enable the deposition of textured surfaces that feature enhanced light-trapping capability. Compared with thin-films from conventional TCO targets, a single-junction thin film deposited by a Tosoh AZO TCO target in a silicon solar cell shows a one-point gain in conversion efficiency. Thin-films achieve a similar gain in a copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)-based solar cell.

Applications

Thin-film sputtering.

Platform

New products are available as Transparent Conducting Oxide rotary aluminum and zinc oxide (AZO) sputtering targets. Tosoh SMD, is compliant with ISO/TS-16949:2000 and is currently registered to ISO-9001:2000 and ISO-14001:2004.

Availability

Tosoh is engaging customers in North America and Europe for the beta testing and high-volume production of its enhanced TCO targets.

Read Next

September 17, 2025
US renewables developer Longroad Energy has reached financial close for its 400MW 1000 Mile solar project in the US state of Texas.
September 17, 2025
Spanish renewables developer and operator Acciona Energía has commissioned its 412MWp Juna solar PV plant in Kawani village in the western state of Rajasthan. 
September 17, 2025
Spanish IPP Velto Renewables has acquired a portfolio of 53 operational solar assets in Spain with a combined capacity of 260MW.
September 17, 2025
Struggling Swiss solar manufacturer Meyer Burger has formally entered into a debt moratorium, with the possibility of rescuing the entire group now looking unlikely.
September 17, 2025
Nexamp has secured US$350 million through a long-term financing facility to expand its 6GW utility-scale solar and battery storage pipeline in the US. 
September 17, 2025
Chinese module producer DAS Solar is planning a 5GW manufacturing facility focused on producing high-efficiency back contact cells.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA