Joint Lab
The IHP/BTU Joint Lab is a research facility at the BTU campus, operated jointly by BTU Cottbus and IHP Frankfurt (Oder). It conducts research related to various aspects of semiconductor silicon (Si) use, and in particular
- Silicon for microelectronics and photovoltaics
- feasibility of Silicon-based optoelectronics
- combination of silicon and biology as a step towards future biochips.
Semiconductor technology relies on the detailed understanding of materials behaviour. Progress in technology constantly poses new requirements to materials. For instance, new challenges arise from utilization of large diameter wafers in microelectronics and Silicon photonics, which create demand for cost-effective Silicon materials in photovoltaics.
The relevance of the Joint Lab activities to energy topics becomes obvious through a long standing research conducted on a solar-grade crystalline silicon for solar cells, which is the basic material for more than 90% of all solar cells produced worldwide.
The primary objective of the research work in this field is to provide support for the German PV industry in their efforts to reduce the production costs of solar cells and at the same time to increase the cell efficiency even further. Since the silicon material itself has the largest share in the cost of the cells, research into Silicon materials is a key factor for a further increase of the economic efficiency in direct utilization of solar energy. Specifically, the Joint Lab works towards reducing the detrimental recombination activity of crystal defects in silicon materials used for solar cells.
Another research topic of a more basic character in the solar cell field has been started in 2005 within the framework of the joint project “Band structure design: Charge carrier transport in Silicon based quantum structures for future solar cells of ultimate efficiency” (funded by BMBF – Federal Ministry of Education and Research). The objective of the project is to develop the basis for future, new solar cells concepts, in particular, the cells consisting of stacks of crystalline Silicon and Silicon oxide, which are expected to reach the efficiencies of about 50 %.
Excellent diagnostic techniques for Silicon materials research, specifically for the solar-grade Silicon materials, are available in the Joint Lab. The diagnostic equipment comprises the dedicated scanning electron microscopes for EBIC and CL investigations, the stations for photoluminescence and Raman measurements, the DLTS spectrometers, the FTIR spectrometers and preparation facilities, and others.
The staff of the Joint Lab has year long experience in these fields of research. Extensive international contacts and organisation of important international conferences by the staff of the Joint Lab emphasize the acknowledged position of the Silicon materials research. The Joint Lab keeps close contacts with numerous scientific partners worldwide as well as with German photovoltaic industry.
