Abstract

AES, XPS and SIMS surface analysis techniques were used in the study and characterization of the well known high efficiency, low-cost CdS/CdTe thin film solar cell. The study of novel materials used in electronic devices is a very promising route to better understanding device performance and how we can make innovations in this field.

Our surface analysis will show in some detail the stoichiometry of these solar cells, what elements and contaminants are present. This investigation will help the designers and makers to improve the performance of these cells, and will solve some of the problems encountered in their fabrication.

This thesis is concerned with the analytical techniques which have contributed, and should continue to contribute, to understanding these and other problems. It is concerned with the basic underlying physical principles of the techniques.

Thermo electricity is perhaps not the most viable way of producing electricity; therefore some other alternatives have to be investigated at an extended detail.