Silicon solar cells: Physical metallurgy principles

From: JOM | Date: May 1, 2003| Author: | Copyright information

This article reviews the physical metallurgy aspects of silicon solar cells. The production of silicon solar cells relies on principles of thermochemical extractive metallurgy, phase equilibria, solidification, and kinetics. The issues related to these processes and their impact on solar cell performance and cost are discussed.

INTRODUCTION

The technology of solar cells provides an interesting case study of many concepts in both semiconductor engineering and physical metallurgy. This article will focus on some of the basic materials-processing aspects of solar cells made from semiconductor ...

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