Thesis “Inline Optical characterization of TOPCON solar cell precursors”

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Our approximately 1,400 employees work for a sustainable, economic, secure and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our main research areas of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, company spin-offs and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.

In recent years, high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies such as tunnel oxide passivation contacts (TOPCon) and silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells have been added to the production line of many photovoltaic (PV) companies. Knowing the thickness of the conductive and carrier selective layers helps control over the production processes to lead to high performance solar cells. To this end, reflectance spectrophotometry combined with optical modeling serves as a suitable non-contact means to estimate thin film thicknesses in an in-line characterization setup compared to conventional spectral ellipsometry. An inline front-end wafer inspection system (FWIS) is being set up in the Fraunhofer ISE front-end laboratory to control the various production steps of different PV technologies. Within this system is the Zeiss inline spectrophotometer for non-contact reflectance measurement. Within our group, a preliminary optical model for thickness determination from measured reflectance was developed.

You want to actively shape the energy transition and write your thesis in this field? With us you will find the experts and the environment to realize these goals.

For our group “Inline Wafer/Process Analysis and Production Control” we are looking for a student assistant with the opportunity to write a master thesis as soon as possible.

What you will do

• The goal of your thesis is to develop a characterization technique for TOPCON solar cell structures that is compatible for an industrial environment.

• Your tasks will include formatting an experimental design.

• You will perform measurements on inline and offline characterization tools.

• You collaborate in the improvement of the existing optical model.

• You will assist in the inline characterization of solar cell precursors.

What you bring to the table

• You are studying applied science, renewable energies, or a comparable field.

• You have an affinity for working in a clean room and conducting experiments.

• You have basic knowledge of different PV technologies and how a solar cell works.

• You have already successfully demonstrated your good written and spoken German and English skills.

• It is important to you to get involved in your team and to achieve common goals in interdisciplinary cooperation.

• You have good programming skills in Python.

What you can expect

• You will work with one of the most popular employers on a par with the best.

• Open-minded colleagues are happy to welcome new talents into their ranks.

• We offer flexible working time models and give you the opportunity to work from home at times.

• We also foster a cooperative working atmosphere and open communication.

• We value equal opportunities and allow room for diversity.

• You can participate in attractive sports and health programs and after-work activities.

Remuneration is based on the level of degree in an accredited course of studies.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees’ skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

Interested? Apply online now. (including CV, motivation letter and if available certificates). We look forward to getting to know you!

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this position:

Dr. Jonas Haunschild

+49 761 4588-5634

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE 

www.ise.fraunhofer.de  

Requisition Number: 68607                Application Deadline: 11/30/2023