These incorporate laser processes, ranging from a highly thermal process like laser soldering, via drilling of holes into silicon up to precise micrometer scale selective ablation of nanometer thin films. Developments include new PV materials, improved cell structures and configurations and enhanced manufacturing processes, all areas where lasers are playing a role. This paper discusses the present-day and potential future uses of lasers in PV manufacture. Solar cells produce electrical current through a photoelectric effect in semiconducting materials. Whether it's crystalline silicon or thin-film cells, laser processing is widely used for cutting, shaping, passivation, and scribing, enhancing both production efficiency and product. Spectra-Physics is a market leader in lasers for photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing. Our broad portfolio of lasers for PV is used in a variety of. Other TFPV laser applications such as edge deletion and glass drilling for panel contact holes are in the evaluation phase.
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