EBIC and luminescence mapping of CdTe/CdS solar cells (vol 361, pg 364, 2000)

The roles of EBIC, OBIC (LBIC), spatially resolved spectral response and ca thodoluminescence in determining the influence of grain boundaries in the C dTe/CdS solar cell are critically reviewed. Conventional use of EBIC in the determination of junction position and L-e in thin films is assessed. Dire ct evidence of grain boundary passivation from front-wall (illumination geo metry) OBIC and EBIC is described. The use of non-standard injection-depend ent EBIC to probe near grain boundary doping, and a model of grain boundary passivation is outlined. New results of the use of cathodoluminescence mic roscopy to probe individual grains are presented and discussed with regard to passivation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.