Introduction to semiconductor processing: Fabrication and characterization of p-n junction silicon solar cells

We describe an upper-division undergraduate physics laboratory experiment that integrates the fabrication and characterization of a p-n junction in silicon. Under standard illumination, this p-n junction exhibits the photovoltaic effect as well as the typical diode rectification behavior when measured in the dark. This experiment introduces students to the physics of solar photovoltaics from the perspective of participating in the fabrication process. Procedures, experimental strategies, and typical student measurement results are presented. This low-cost, engaging, and effective lab can be adapted to undergraduate physics courses at various institutes.