Solid state laser applications in photovoltaics manufacturing

Can laser processing systems be used for photovoltaic applications?

The laser processing systems for photovoltaic applications have advanced such that commercial systems are available. These commercial systems can provide multifunctional capabilities such that ohmic contact formation, dopant activation, and other steps that can be carried out using the same machine.

Are fiber lasers suitable for photovoltaics?

Fiber lasers are suitable for generating high average powers with good beam quality. On the other hand, due to nonlinearities there is a lower potential for high pulse energies and peak powers. Nev-ertheless this young technology begins to enter the photovoltaics market as well.

What are the applications of high-power laser processing for photovoltaic devices?

The various applications of high-power laser processing for photovoltaic devices have been discussed, but lasers also play an important role in medical device manufacturing for cutting, marking, and drilling applications.

How can laser processing improve crystalline silicon solar cells?

Laser processing has become a key technology for the industrial production of crystalline silicon solar cells reaching higher conversion efficiencies. Enhancements of the current solar cell tech-nology are achieved by using advanced ap-proaches like laser grooved front contacts or selective emitter structures.

Are Lasers a viable alternative to solar cells?

Independent of the solar cell concept, lasers have always played a role in the de-velopment of new production processes. In some cases, there is a strong competitive situation with one or two alternative technol-ogies, but in many cases no other tool can compete with the speed and precision of the laser.

Can laser-fired electrical contacts be used in Si solar cells?

Glunz et al. (Glunz et al. 2004) at the Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy Systems demonstrated the application of high-power lasers for selective contacts in Si solar cells. Figure 6 (Glunz et al. 2004) shows the principle of laser-fired electrical contacts in which a focused laser beam is used for fired contact formation.