68
Transparent
Conducting Oxide Films with High Refractive Index--MicroCoating
Technologies, 5315 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Atlanta, GA
30341; 678-287-2445
Dr.
Zhiyong Zhao, Principal Investigator, zzhao@microcoating.com
Mr.
David L. Motley, Business Official, dmotley@microcoating.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-02ER83498
Amount:
$100,000
Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films have been an essential component in various thin film solar cells. However, the film’s low refractive index (e.g., ZnO film has a refractive index <2.0 at 632.8 nm), sometimes limits the performance of these devices. This project will develop highly refractive index TCO films using a Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) process. CCVD enables fabrication of thin film materials with desired optical, electrical, and structural properties at low cost. Phase I will address fundamental issues in a multifunctional material having considerable technical and commercial relevance. Phase II will further optimize the films’ properties, improve uniformity and repeatability, conduct computer modeling, and build electro-optical devices.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits
as described by the awardee: The new
films should lead to a new class of optoelectronic and photonic materials and
devices and improve device performance in amorphous silicon solar cells (e.g.,
as front electrode and antireflection layer).