Zn Se Cd S Interlayer Formation at the CdS Cu2ZnSnSe4 Thin Film Solar Cell Interface

The chemical structure of the CdS/Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) interface was studied by a combination of electron and X-ray spectroscopies with varying surface sensitivity. We find the CdS chemical bath deposition causes a "redistribution" of elements in the proximity of the CdS/CZTSe interface. In detail, our data suggest that Zn and Se from the Zn-terminated CZTSe absorber and Cd and S from the buffer layer form a Zn-Se-Cd-S interlayer. We find direct indications for the presence of Cd-S, Cd-Se, and Cd-Se-Zn bonds at the buffer/absorber interface. Thus, we propose the formation of a mixed Cd(S,Se)-(Cd,Zn)Se interlayer. We suggest the underlying chemical mechanism is an ion exchange mediated by the amine complexes present in the chemical bath

Intermixing and chemical structure at the interface between n-GaN and V-based contacts

Abstract: The interface between n-type GaN and V-based contacts was characterized by soft x-ray spectroscopy. We have investigated the chemical interface structure before and after a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) step, which is crucial for the formation of an Ohmic contact. X-ray photoelectron and x-ray excited Auger electron spectra suggest that RTA induces an accumulation of metallic Ga at the surface. Using x-ray emission spectroscopy, we find that the probed nitrogen atoms are in a VN-like environment, indicating that vanadium interacts with nitrogen atoms from the GaN to form VN

Intermixing and chemical structure at the interface between n-GaN and V-based contacts

The interface between n-type GaN and V-based contacts was characterized by soft x-ray spectroscopy. We have investigated the chemical interface structure before and after a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) step, which is crucial for the formation of an Ohmic contact. X-ray photoelectron and x-ray excited Auger electron spectra suggest that RTA induces an accumulation of metallic Ga at the surface. Using x-ray emission spectroscopy, we find that the probed nitrogen atoms are in a VN-like environment, indicating that vanadium interacts with nitrogen atoms from the GaN to form VN

Chemical structure of vanadium-based contact formation on n-AlN

We have investigated the chemical interaction between a Au/V/Al/V layer structure and n-type AlN epilayers using soft x-ray photoemission, x-ray emission spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. To understand the complex processes involved in this multicomponent system, we have studied the interface before and after a rapid thermal annealing step. We find the formation of a number of chemical phases at the interface, including VN, metallic vanadium, aluminum oxide, and metallic gold. An interaction mechanism for metal contact formation on the entire n-(Al,Ga)N system is proposed

Chemical structure of buried interfaces in CdTe thin film solar cells

We have used a lift off technique and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy to probe initially buried interfaces of a CdTe solar cell after CdCl2 and contact treatments. We find that the cleavage takes place at or near the CdTe CdS interface. On both surfaces, Cl is present, most likely due to diffusion through the CdTe layer during the hightemperature CdCl2 activation step. Te is present on both cleavage exposed surfaces, as well as on the external back contact surface before cleavage. We find that the Te atoms are in at least two different chemical environments. From our data we are able to paint a comprehensive picture of the chemical structure of the CdTe CdS interfac