Optical functions and the performance of a photovoltaic solar cell

We aim to set-up an elementary and practical experimental tool, based on a conjuncture of the reflectance/transmittance and the photothermal deflection spectroscopy experimental approaches, which will be used in order to rapidly acquire the spectral dependence of the optical absorption spectrum corresponding to thin-film-semiconductor-based photovoltaic materials. System calibration will be performed using benchmark thin-film silicon samples that are already available in our laboratory. We will then use this set-up in order to perform characterizations on a number of thin-film-semiconductor-based photovoltaic materials of interest to our industrial partner, Solar Earth Technologies. The photovoltaic potential of each material considered will be critically examined. Further improvements to this system will be considered. Opportunities for publishing the results of this research in the open scientific literature will be pursued.

Faculty Supervisor:

Stephen O'Leary;Mario Beaudoin;Michael Adachi

Student:

Partner:

Solar Earth Technologies Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Utilities

University:

University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: