Recombination at laser-processed local base contacts by dynamic infrared lifetime mapping

Laser-processed local metal contacts to Si solar cells are a promising approach, to combine high efficiency and low production cost. Understanding carrier transport and recombination in locally contacted solar cells requires numerical simulations with experimentally verified input parameters. One of these input parameters is the reverse saturation current density J(0,cont) at the local base contact. We determine J(0,cont) by means of area averaged charge carrier lifetime measurements and an analytical model, which distinguishes between recombination at the metal contacts and at the passivated interface in between the contacts. The calibration-free dynamic infrared lifetime mapping technique is used. We measure local reverse saturation current densities J(0,cont) = 2 x 10(3) to 2 x 10(7) fA/cm(2) at metal contacts to p-type float-zone material with resistivities p = 0.5 to 200 Omega cm. Laser contact openings (LCOs) formed by laser ablation of an amorphous Si/SiN(x) passivation stack and subsequent physical vapor deposition of aluminum are used as contact formation technique. As well laser fired contacts (LFCs) are applied to the same passivation stack and metallization. We observe no difference in J(0,cont) between LCO and LFC. Our results indicate degradation of the passivation stack by the laser treatment in the vicinity of the LCO and LFC. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3517109]