PLANSEE application laboratory now available for thin-film testing

(openPR) As one of the leading suppliers of planar and rotary sputtering targets for thin-film solar cells, PLANSEE is continually developing solutions for an efficient coating process. In its in-house application center, the company sputters and characterizes thin-film materials under real conditions. The laboratory is now also available for customers.

According to customer specifications, PLANSEE sputters test substrates by RF-, DC- or Pulsed-DC-methods and thereby gives decisive information for the further development of coating systems in the field of CIGS and CdTe thin-film photovoltaic solar cells.
The microstructure, electrical conductivity, adhesion, film thickness and film stress are evaluated with a high-resolution scanning electron microscope and other analytical instruments. PLANSEE checks the crystallographic phase, optical properties, chemical composition and morphology of the thin film and offers its customers a vacuum-packed thin-film sample for further examinations.

In cooperation with all major solar cell manufacturers, PLANSEE has developed new materials that improve the performance of the thin-film absorber layers. By alloying and developing material compounds, PLANSEE adapts inherent material properties to meet the specific customer requirements and tune the chemical composition of thin-film absorbers. In addition to sputtering targets made of pure molybdenum and tungsten, PLANSEE also offers molybdenum alloys, chromium and materials for absorber layers.

With its complete in-house manufacturing, its expertise in powder metallurgy and special deformation technologies, PLANSEE guarantees the best quality materials for the coating industry: total density, high purity and a uniform and fine-grained microstructure.

At the Solar Power Show International in Los Angeles (Oct. 12-14) the PLANSEE coating team will present new sputtering target designs for improved material utilization and will inform visitors about the new application laboratory service. For more information on thin-film materials for CIGS and CdTe please go to www.plansee.com or contact