Solar Cell Characterisation

PVE300 PV Characterisation System

In this era of renewable energy and space exploration, harnessing the solar energy is becoming increasingly important. As a result, different material systems are being employed, new designs implemented and systems tailored for use in particular situations.

The PVE300 permits the determination of device spectral responsivity (from which may be determined EQE), and, having performed measurements of sample reflectance (and transmittance where required) the determination of IQE.

A monochromatic probe based on a Bentham TMc300 single monochromator and typically a Xenon/Quartz halogen light source, is launched onto the sample under test, giving coverage over the spectral range 350-2500nm.

The above image depicts such a system, coupling the monochromatic probe to a sample in the test enclosure which also houses a solar bias source.

Core Features

Direct determination of device spectral response (SR, A W-1)
Direct determination of device external quantum efficiency (EQE/IPCE, %)
Chopped, monochromatic probe, 1-10mm diameter
Light-tight measurement chamber
20x20cm temperature controlled vacuum mount
Use with substrate, superstrate or packaged devices
Transformer or Amplifier & lock-in based detection
Device operation in short circuit or voltage biased
Choice of single or multiple channel solar simulators
Wide range of operation 300-2500nm
Calibrated reference Si/Ge detectors

Options

Integrating sphere-based determination of reflectance/transmittance to yield internal quantum efficiency (IQE, %)
Motorised x-y stage for device uniformity measurement
Characterisation of fluorescent materials with addition of second monochromator