Interdigitated back surface contact (IBC) and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) solar cells have been explored by multiple former Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) students with mutual independence. This thesis marries IBC and CIGS into a single cell to explore its optical parameters before introducing a novel cell design to reduce recombination in the absorber by establishing a vertical electric field. Implementing the novel design established up to a 7.5kV/cm electric field in the absorber to promote the separation of charge carriers, resulting in significant increases in short circuit current and I-V curve knee extension to raise cell efficiency to 24.32% at 300 K. Comparing this cell to optimal designs of prior theses, our cell boasts a 79.45% reduction in cell thickness and relative efficiency increase of 5.74%. Modeling of this cell demonstrates its potential for use in low weight, high power equipment such as UAVs, satellites, and solar blankets used by warfighters.Lieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited
