• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.550-555
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• 2011

A high-quality CIGS film with a selenization process needs to be developed for low-cost and large-scale production. In this study, we used $Cu_2In_3$, CuGa and $Cu_2Se$ sputter targets for the deposition of a precursor. The precursor deposited by sputtering was selenized in Se vapor. The precursor layer deposited by the co-sputtering of $Cu_2In_3$, CuGa and $Cu_2Se$ showed a uniform distribution of Cu, In, Ga, and Se throughout the layer with Cu, In, CuIn, CuGa and $Cu_2Se$ phases. After selenization at $550^{\circ}C$ for 30 min, the CIGS film showed a double-layer microstructure with a large-grained top layer and a small-grained bottom layer. In the AES depth profile, In was found to have accumulated near the surface while Cu had accumulated in the middle of the CIGS film. By adding a Cu-In-Ga interlayer between the co-sputtered precursor layer and the Mo film and adding a thin $Cu_2Se$ layer onto the co-sputtered precursor layer, large CIGS grains throughout the film were produced. However, the Cu accumulated in the middle of CIGS film in this case as well. By supplying In, Ga and Se to the CIGS film, a uniform distribution of Cu, In, Ga and Se was achieved in the middle of the CIGS film.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.434-438
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• 2010

The selenization process has been a promising method for low-cost and large-scale production of high quality CIGS film. However, there is the problem that most Ga in the CIGS film segregates near the Mo back contact. So the solar cell behaves like a $CuInSe_2$ and lacks the increased open-circuit voltage. In this study we investigated the Ga distribution in CIGS films by using the $Ga_2Se_3$ layer. The $Ga_2Se_3$ layer was applied on the Cu-In-Ga metal layer to increase Ga content at the surface of CIGS films and to restrict Ga diffusion to the CIGS/Mo interface with Ga and Se bonding. The layer made by thermal evaporation was showed to an amorphous $Ga_2Se_3$ layer in the result of AES depth profile, XPS and XRD measurement. As the thickness of $Ga_2Se_3$ layer increased, a small-grained CIGS film was developed and phase seperation was showed using SEM and XRD respectively. Ga distributions in CIGS films were investigated by means of AES depth profile. As a result, the [Ga]/[In+Ga] ratio was 0.2 at the surface and 0.5 near the CIGS/Mo interface when the $Ga_2Se_3$ thickness was 220 nm, suggesting that the $Ga_2Se_3$ layer on the top of metal layer is one of the possible methods for Ga redistribution and open circuit voltage increase.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2011.02a
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• pp.404-405
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• 2011

Cu(InGa)$Se_2$ (CIGS) 박막 태양전지의 저가 및 대면적화를 위한 양산화 공정인 two-step process (sputter/selenization) 공정에서는 sputtering으로 형성한 metal precursor stack을 $H_2$ Se gas를 이용하여 selenization하는 공정을 주로 이용한다. 하지만 이러한 selenization 공정은 유독한 $H_2$ Se gas를 이용해야 한다는 점과 긴 시간 동안 열처리를 해야 하는 단점을 가지고 있다. 이에 metal precursor stack 위에 Se 막을 우선 증착하고, Rapid Thermal Process (RTP)를 이용하여 selenization하는 방법이 현재 많은 관심을 끌고 있다. 본 논문에서는 sputtering 이후 RTP를 이용한 CIGS 흡수층 제작에 대한 선행연구의 일환으로 co-evaporator 장비를 이용하여 다양한 구조의 precursor를 제작하고 RTP 조건에 따른 selenization 효과를 연구하였다. Co-evaporator를 이용하여 CIGS, CIG/Se, CuGa/In/Se, In/CuGa/Se 4가지 구조의 precursor stack을 Mo coated soda lime glass 위에 제작하였다. 이때 amorphous 상태의 precursor stack을 만들기 위하여 기판에 열은 가하여 주지 않았으며, 각각의 stack 구조에서 가지고 있는 Cu, In, Ga, Se의 총량을 동일하게 유지하기 위하여 각 stack의 증착 시간을 동일하게 유지하였다. Selenization을 위한 RTP 조건은 550, $600^{\circ}C$ 각각에 대하여 1, 5, 10분으로 split을 진행하였다. Precursor stack의 증착 후 관찰한 XRD 결과는 비정질 상태를 잘 나타내었으며, SEM 결과 CIGS precursor stack을 제외한 나머지 구조의 stack에서는 In 박막의 surface roughness로 인하여 박막의 평탄화가 좋지 않음을 확인하였다. CIGS precursor stack의 경우, RTP 온도와 시간 split와 상관없이 결정화가 잘 이루어졌으나 grain의 성장이 부족하였다. 이에 비하여 CIG/Se, CuGa/In/Se, In/CuGa/Se 구조의 precursor stack의 경우, $550^{\circ}C$ 열처리에서는 InSe의 결정상이 관찰 되었으며 $600^{\circ}C$, 5분 이상 열처리에서 CIGS 결정상이 관찰되었다. 이러한 결과는 Se이 metal 원소들과 함께 있는 CIGS 구조에 비하여 metal precursor stack 위에 Se을 증착한 stack 구조들의 경우는 CIGS 결정을 형성하기 위해 Se이 metal 층들로 확산되어 반응을 하여야 하므로 상대적으로 많은 열에너지가 필요한 것으로 이해할 수 있으며, RTP를 이용한 selenization 공정으로 CIGS 박막 태양전지의 흡수층 형성이 가능함을 확인하였다.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2011.08a
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• pp.375-375
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• 2011

Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 (CIGS)박막증착법 중 금속 전구체의 셀렌화 공정법은 다른 제조 방법에 비해 대면적 생산에 유리하고, 비교적 공정 과정이 간단하다는 장점이 있다. 이 제조 방법은 금속 전구체를 만든 후에 셀렌화 공정을 하게 된다. 셀렌화 공정은 대부분 H2Se 가스를 사용하지만 유독성으로 사용하는데 주의해야 한다. 본 실험은 H2Se를 사용하지 않고 Se원료를 주입하기 위해 Se cracker를 사용했고 금속 전구체 증착과 셀렌화를 동시에 하는 반응성 스퍼터링 후 열처리 법을 이용하여 CIGS 박막을 증착 했다. CIGS의 박막의 Cu/[In+Ga], Ga/[In+Ga]비를 변화시켜 특성변화를 관찰했다. Cu/[In+Ga]비가 감소할수록 CIGS의 결정방향인 (112) 이 우세하게 발달했고 Ga/[In+Ga]비가 증가할수록 CIGS의 결정면 사이의 값이 작아지기 때문에 CIGS peak의 2-Theta 값이 증가하게 된다. CIGS 박막 태양전지의 구조는 Al/Ni/ITO/i-ZnO/CdS/CIGS/Mo/glass 제작했다. CIGS박막의 조성비가 Cu/[In+Ga]=0.84, Ga/[In+Ga]=0.24인 박막태양전지에서 개방전압 0.48 V, 단락전류밀도 33.54 mA/cm2, 충실도 54.20% 그리고 변환효율 8.63%를 얻었다.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.231-231
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• 2003

I-III-Ⅵ족 CuInGaSe$_2$(CIGS)계 화합물 태양전지는 1 eV 이상의 직접 천이형 에너지 밴드갭을 가지며, 전기 광학적으로 매우 안정하여 태양전지의 광흡수층으로 매우 이상적이다. CIGS 광흡수층제조를 위하여 용매열법 (solvothermal method)으로 CIGS나노입자를 합성하였다. 용매열법은 진공장비를 사용하던 기존의 방법에 비해 저온, 저압에서 저가로 합성할 수 있다는 장점을 가지고 있다. Copper, indium selenium 및 gallium 분말과 유기용매 ethylenediarnine을 autoclave안에서 반응시켜 CIGS 나노입자를 제조하였다. 280 에서 14시간동안 반응시켜 직경이 30-80 nm인 구형에 가까운 CIGS 나노입자를 얻었다. 이것은 용매열법에 의한 4성분계의 CIGS 나노입자의 최초 합성이다. diehyleneamine을 용매로 사용한 경우에 한하여 구형의 CIS 입자를 합성할 수 있다고 보고되었으나, Cu와 이중 N-chelation이 형성되는 ethylenediamine 용매임에도 불구하고 구형의 CIGS 나노분말이 형성된 것은 solution-liquid-solid (SLS) 기구로 설명할 수 있었다. HRSEM, TEM, XRD. EDS으로 나노분말의 형상 크기 및 조성을 조사하여 chalcopyrite 구조의 CuInGaSe$_2$ 임을 확인하였다.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2002.07a
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• pp.383-386
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• 2002

Polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se$_2$(CIGS) thin-films were grown by co-evaporation on a soda lime glass substrate. In this paper the effects of the Se evaporation temperature on the properties of CuIn0.75Ga0.25Se2 (CIGS) thin films. Structure, surface morphology and optical properties of CIGS thin films deposited at various Se evaporation temperatures have been investigated using a number of analysis techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that CIGS films exhibit a strong <112> preferred orientation. As expected, at higher Se evaporation temperatures the films displayed a lower degree of crystallinity. The <112> peak was also enhanced and other CIGS peaks appeared simultaneously. These results were supported by experimental work using scanning electron microscopy When the Se evaporation temperature was increased, the average grain size also decreased together with a reduction Cu content. The Se evaporation temperature also had a significant inf1uence on the transmission spectra. Increasing the Se evaporation temperature, the cell efficiency was improved dramatically to 11.75% with Voc = 556 mV, Jsc = 32.17 mA/cm2 and FF = 0.66. The Se evaporation temperature is an important parameter in thin film deposition regardless of the deposition technique being used to deposit thin films

• Current Photovoltaic Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2019

The $Cu(In,Ga)Se_2$ (CIGS) thin film obtained by two-step process (metal deposition and Se annealing) has a rough surface morphology and many voids at the CIGS/Mo interface. To solve the problem a precursor that contains Se was employer by depositing a (In,Se)/(Cu,Ga) stacked layer. We devised a two-step annealing (vacuum pre-annealing and Se annealing) for the precursor because direct annealing of the precursor in Se environment resulted in the small grains with unwanted demarcation between stacked layers. After vacuum pre-annealing up to $500^{\circ}C$ the CIGS film consisted of CIGS phase and secondary phases including $In_4Se_3$, InSe, and $Cu_9(In,Ga)_4$. The secondary phases were completely converted to CIGS phase by a subsequent Se annealing. A void-free CIGS/Mo interface was obtained by the two-step annealing process. Especially, the CIGS film prepared by vacuum annealing $450^{\circ}C$ and subsequent Se annealing $550^{\circ}C$ showed a densely-packed grains with smooth surface, well-aligned bamboo grains on the top of the film, little voids in the film, and also little voids at the CIGS/Mo interface. The smooth surface enhanced the cell performance due to the increase of shunt resistance.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.461-467
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• 2011

Cu(In, Ga)$Se_2$ (CIGS) precursor films were electrodeposited on Mo/glass substrates in acidic solutions containing $Cu^{2+}$, $In^{3+}$, $Ga^{3+}$, and $Se^{4+}$ ions at -0.6 V (SCE) and pH. 1.8. In order to induce recrystallization, the electrodeposited $Cu_{1.00}In_{0.81}Ga_{0.09}Se_{2.08}$ (25.0 at.% Cu + 20.2 at.% In + 2.2 at.% Ga + 52.0 at.% Se) precursor films were annealed under a high Se gas atmosphere for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min, respectively, at $500^{\circ}C$. The Se amount in the film increased from 52 at.% to 62 at.%, whereas the In amount in the film decreased from 20.8 at.% to 9.1 at.% as the annealing time increased from 0 (asdeposited state) to 60 min. These results were attributed to the Se introduced from the furnace atmosphere and reacted with the In present in the precursor films, resulting in the formation of the volatile $In_2Se$. CIGS precursor grains with a cauliflower shape grew as larger grains with the $CuSe_2$ and/or $Cu_{2-x}Se$ faceted phases as the annealing times increased. These faceted phases resulted in rough surface morphologies of the CIGS films. Furthermore, the CIGS layers were not dense because the empty spaces between the grains were not removed via annealing. Uniform thicknesses of the $MoSe_2$ layers occurred at the 45 and 60 min annealing time. This implies that there was a stable reaction between the Mo back electrode and the Se diffused through the CIGS film. The results obtained in the present research were sufficiently different from comparable studies where the recrystallization annealing was performed under an atmosphere of Ar gas only or a low Se gas pressure.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 2002.07c
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• pp.1584-1586
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• 2002

CuIn$Se_2$ (CIS) and related compounds such as Cu($In_xGa_{1-x})Se_2$(CIGS) have been studied by their potential for use in photovoltaic devices. CIS thin film materials which have high absorption coefficient and wide bandgap, have attracted much attention as an alternative to crystalline and amorphous silicon solar cells currently in use. Cu-rich CIGS film have very low resistivity, due to coexistence of the semimetallic $Cu_{2-x}Se$. In-rich CIGS films show high resistivity, since these films are compensated films without the $Cu_{2-x}Se$ phase. Optical properties of the CIGS films also change in accordance with the resistivity for the Cu/(In+Ga) ratio. The Cu-rich films have different spectra from In-rich films in near infrared wavelengths.

• ETRI Journal
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.779-782
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• 2012

$CuIn_{1-x}Ga_xSe_2$ (CIGS) thin films are grown on Mo/soda lime glass using a reactive sputtering process in which a Se cracker is used to deliver reactive Se molecules. The Cu and $(In_{0.7}Ga_{0.3})_2Se_3$ targets are simultaneously sputtered under the delivery of reactive Se. The effects of Se flux on film composition are investigated. The Cu/(In+Ga) composition ratio increases as the Se flux increases at a plasma power of less than 30 W for the Cu target. The (112) crystal orientation becomes dominant, and crystal grain size is larger with Se flux. The power conversion efficiency of a solar cell fabricated using an 800-nm CIGS film is 8.5%.