Reltrons Fast EL Mapper is a low-light mapping
system designed for the rapid imaging of the low intensity per unit area emissions generated in forward-biased solar cells.
The intensity of the emitted EL signal is a function of the electron-hole concentration, which is exponentially related to the applied forward bias
voltage (the well known IV curve of a diode). Electroluminescence of photovoltaic devices provides valuable spatially-resolved details about
efficiency-degrading mechanisms in the cell/panel that can result from:
- Minority Carrier Lifetime (diffusion length)
- Impurities and Defects that may result in Recombination Events
- EL Intensity Measurements
- Quantitative EL Image Analysis
- Dislocation Imaging
- Microcracks in the Cell
- Lateral Series Resistance
- Shunt Resistance
- Open circuits or discontinuities in conductors
- Polysilicon grain boundaries
- Relative Efficiency
Applications of Electroluminescence include :
- Process Control
- Research and Development
- Inline Manufacturing
- Sorting and Grading
Electroluminescence Mapping is applicable to cells, arrays, and whole panels. Contact and Contacltess measurement mapping is also possible by radiating solar
cells/modules with a specific wavelength of light and measuring the emitted photoluminescence signal.
Electroluminescence measurements provide fast and accurate qualitative and quantitative information about the
performance of solar cells and modules.
Such information is of great value for R&D, Manufacturing and Field Service functions.
The Fast EL Mapper can be configured for both the Macro and the Micro detection
of spatially-resolved bandgap emissions found in CIGS, CIS, CdTe, Poly-Si, Si photovoltaics.
A number of Technical Bulletins are now available discussing both Electroluminescence and Photoluminescence Measurements for
Photovoltaics.
For copies of these, as well as for information on this system, its range of options and
configurations, including contactless quantiative Photon Emission Image Analysis please
contact
Left Coast Instruments, Inc. |