Plasma-assisted sulfurization of CIGSS films

Copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) films are wide bandgap semiconductors that are employed as absorbers in photovoltaic devices. By partially replacing selenium with sulfur (CIGSS) we may engineer the bandgap of this material in order to optimize photovoltaic performance. Selenization/sulfurization of metallic precursor films is typically done thermally using elemental S₂/Se₂ vapors or gases like H₂S/H₂Se. We are developing novel plasma-assisted processing techniques for this step. Advantages include temperature reduction, improved material utilization, and better control of the S/Se ratio.  The project currently distracts Chris Fischer from his coursework.

This collaborative project is supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)  through a subcontract with ITN Energy Systems.