LBIC Imaging of Solar Cells: An Introduction to Scanning Probe-Based Imaging Techniques

• Steven Marquez ^[1] ; Travis Varra ^[1] ; Cami Christensen ^[1] ; Om Rajasekharan ^[2] ; Carter Dojan ^[1] ; Janelle Hobbs ^[1] ; Abigail Otten ^[1] ; Luke Salzer ^[1] ; Jennifer D. Schuttlefield Christus ^[3] ; Justin B. Sambur ^[1]
  1. [1] Colorado State University

     Colorado State University

     Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] Fossil Ridge High School, United states
  3. [3] University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, United States

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• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 100, Nº 2, 2023, págs. 1011-1016
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Scanning probe-based microscopes (SPMs) are widely used in biology, chemistry, materials science, and physics to image and manipulate matter on the nanoscale. Unfortunately, high school and university departments lack expensive SPM tools and materials microscopy activities to educate a large number of students in this vital SPM imaging technique. As a result, students face challenges participating in and contributing value to the nanotechnology revolution driving modern scientific innovations. Here we demonstrate an affordable scanning laser-based imaging system (approximately $400, excluding the computer) to introduce students to the point-by-point image formation process underlying SPM methods. In this laboratory activity, students learn how to construct and optimize images of a working solar panel using a laser beam-induced current (LBIC) imaging system. We envision undergraduate and graduate students should be able to use this LBIC system for independent solar energy research projects as well as apply fundamental knowledge and measurement skills to understand other SPM techniques.