Low-temperature Fabrication for CIGS Solar Cells

"Copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) based thin-film devices could potentially provide high specific power for future BMDO space missions if they could be fabricated at low temperatures on low-density polymer substrates. This project proposes a newnon-vacuum method for low temperature deposition of CIGS films on polymer foils. The method uses a new molecular level electrochemical approach to synthesize high quality CIGS films that can be used directly in device fabrication without further heattreatments. Phase I will develop and validate this method for CIGS deposition on polymer substrates. Phase II will extend the method to the other device components to complete the device. The low process temperatures will eliminate the need for insulatinglayer, de-lamination or etching. Atomically controlled electrodeposition will increase CIGS device efficiency. Method implementation will result high specific power, low-cost, radiation resistant cells that is amenable to monolithically integrated solararrays. The project will lead to high efficiency energy converters for use in DoD spacecrafts and commercial solar arrays. Lower costs, easier manufacturing will translate into a wider spectrum of mobile and space commercial markets. Its commercializationwill provide a timely solution to the nation's escalating energy and environmental problems."