The Stability Improvement of a-Si:H Films for Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract

AbstractThe origin of metastability in a-Si:H films deposited at different deposition conditions has been investigated by joint analysis of light-induced defect generation kinetics (Staebler-Wronski Effect) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Light-induced defect generation kinetics were measured at elevated temperatures of 80–150 °C. DSC measurements were performed in a temperature range of 20 °C – 570°C. The films microstructure were studied by IR spectroscopy analysis.The simulation of DSC curves has been used to deduce the kinetics of the low-temperature exothermic peak (LTEP) observed at 80–150°C. It was found that kinetic parameters of LTEP and SW effects has the same dependence on microstructure parameters, γ, which suggests their common nature. The analysis of a-Si:H stability improvement concerning the influence of films microstructure on the kinetics of relaxation processes is presented.