This book focuses on crystalline silicon solar cellscience and technology.It is written from the perspective of an experimentalist with extensive hands-on experience in modeling,fabrication, and characterization. A practical approach to solar cell fabrication is presented in terms of its three components: materials, electrical, and optical. Materials section describes wafer processing methods including saw damage removal, texturing, diffusion, and surface passivation. Wafer processing features are clarified with characterization techniques including field emission scanning electron microscope measurements (FESEM), X-ray elemental diffraction (XRD), spreading sheet resistance (SRP), and 4-point sheet resistance. Electrical section focuses on formation of ohmic contacts on n and p-doped surfaces. Technical methodology, including equipment and process parameters,is described with resistivity measurements combined with extensive analysis of surface morphology using 4-point, FESEM and XRD methods. Optical section illustrates light interaction with textured silicon surfaces in terms of geometrical, diffractive and physical optics, transmission, and surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy. Relevant optical measurements are included in order to distinguish: (a) role of texture in opticalabsorption through internal scattering and (b) passivation of surfaceswith anti-reflection films.  The last chapter analyzes performance of solar cells, fabricatedwith a wide range of process parameters,in terms of dark current-voltage (IV), light IV, and internal quantum efficiency (IQE) measurements. Optimal solar cell processing approaches are identified in conventional, advanced, and thin-film configurations. A brief economic analysis on the merits of crystalline silicon-based photovoltaic technology as a cottage industry is also included. This professional reference will be an important resource for practicing engineers and technicians working with solar cell and PV manufacturing and renewable energy technologies, as well as upper-level engineering and material science students. weiterlesen