Abstract: Solar devices with high resistance to light-induced degradation are described. A wide optical bandgap interface layer positioned between a p-doped semiconductor layer and an intrinsic semiconductor layer is made resistant to light-induced degradation through treatment with a hydrogen-containing plasma. In one embodiment, a p-i-n structure is formed with the interface layer at the p/i interface. Optionally, an additional interface layer treated with a hydrogen-containing plasma is formed between the intrinsic layer and the n-doped layer. Alternatively, a hydrogen-containing plasma is used to treat an upper portion of the intrinsic layer prior to deposition of the n-doped semiconductor layer. The interface layer is also applicable to-multi-junction solar cells with plural p-i-n structures. The p-doped and n-doped layers can optionally include sublayers of different compositions and different morphologies (e.g., microcrystalline or amorphous).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thin film solar cell, comprising the sequential steps of a) depositing a positively doped Si layer (3), b1) depositing a first intrinsic a-Si:H layer (21) at a first deposition rate, b2) depositing a second intrinsic a-Si:H layer (22) at a second deposition rate, and c) depositing a negatively doped Si layer (5), whereby the second deposition rate is greater than the first deposition rate. The thin film solar cell manufactured is characterized by an increased initial and stabilized efficiency while at the same time the overall deposition rate, even by depositing two different intrinsic layers (21, 22), is kept at a reasonable and economic level.

Abstract: In order to improve a thin film solar cell with an amorphous silicon absorber layer being in single or in tandem configuration, the addressed absorber layer of a-Si:H is manufactured by plasma enhanced vapor deposition in an RF-SiH4 plasma, wherein the deposition is performed at at least one of at the process pressure below 0.5 mbar and of at an RF power density below 370 W/14000 cm2.