Method and apparatus for in-line process control of the cigs process
US9142705B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An in-line production apparatus and a method for composition control of copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) solar cells fabricated by a co-evaporation deposition process. The deposition conditions are so that a deposited Cu-excessive overall composition is transformed into to a Cu-deficient overall composition, the final CIGS film. Substrates with a molybdenum layer move through the process chamber with constant speed. The transition from copper rich to copper deficient composition on a substrate is detected by using sensors which detect a physical parameter related to the transition. A preferred embodiment sensors are provided that detect the composition of elements in the deposited layer. A controller connected to the sensors adjusts the fluxes from the evaporant sources in order provide a CIGS layer with uniform composition and thickness over the width of the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.