| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R50783/01 |
| Title: |
Crystalline silicon thin films on glass for solar cells |
| Principal Investigator: |
Reehal, Professor H |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Engineering Systems |
| Organisation: |
London South Bank University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
03 December 2001 |
Ends: |
02 July 2005 |
Value (£): |
198,139
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Processing |
Solar Technology |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Thin film crystalline silicon is a promising material for low cost, high efficiency solar cells if it can be deposited with large grain sizes on low cost gla substrates. Significant technological breakthroughs are required to achieve this at the low film deposition and processing temperatures dictated by glass. This collaborative proposal between South Bank University and CLRC (Central Laser Facility), with industrial support from BP Solar and JL; Designs, is aimed at investigating the growth of large grain size (- 1 micron) crystalline silicon thin films on glass substrates at growth and process temperatures below 600 C. The approach used will be to first form thin, large grain-size silicon seed layers on the substrates and then study theepitaxial growth of thicker silicon films on these using the technique of ECR plasma CVD. Aluminum induced crystallisation and excimer lasercrystallisation will be investigated for seed layer preparation. Characterisation of film microstructure, composition and electrical properties, using a range of analytical techniques, will provide information to optimise growth and processing. Simple solar cell structures will be fabricated on the see layers and evaluated to assess the potential of the processes developed.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk |