An Exploratory Survey of p-Layers for a-Si:H Solar Cells

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe window layer (p-layer) critically affects the conversion efficiency of a-Si:H based p-i-n type solar cells. This paper surveys possible alternative window materials in comparison with the standard boron doped a-SiC:H p-layer. A novel wide-gap amorphous silicon alloy, a-Si:F:H, will be shown to be a good alternative p-layer. As an example of nontraditional p-layer, boron based alloys (e.g., a-B:H) exhibit notable photovoltaic action in a-Si:H solar cells. We comment on attempts to deposit μc-Si alloy window layers on textured TCO-coated glass substrates.