Junction formation in chalcopyrite solar cells by sputtered wide gap compound semiconductors

Abstract In an effort to eliminate the CdS buffer layer and its costly preparation process we are considering sputtered buffer layers. In particular, we report in this contribution on the reactive sputtering of wide gap Zn(O,S) compound semiconductors and their application in solar cells with different types of chalcopyrite absorbers. While we were able to freely adjust the composition through the oxygen partial pressure, the structural and optical properties are superior when the composition is close to the ternary endpoints. Open circuit voltage and short circuit current density as a function of Sulphur content in the buffer show opposite trends. Working cells were achieved with low band gap as well as wide band gap absorbers, however, their performance is so far inferior to that of the standard stacks.