TOPIC 2: Thin Films and New Concepts
This topic is divided into the different photovoltaic materials currently used or in the concept or demonstration phase that are not based on silicon. An exception is tandem structures combining other materials with silicon, which are grouped in subtopics 2.1 (perovskite-based tandems) and subtopic 2.3 (all other tandems). The topic comprises theoretical studies, innovations in processing and manufacturing technologies as well as upscaling, measurement, and characterisation. If the paper describes encapsulation at module level, it is better to submit under subtopic 3.1. For materials which don’t fall under any of the materials listed in subtopics 2.1 to 2.3, consider subtopics 2.4 and 2.5, which collect contributions from ongoing cutting-edge research into understanding photovoltaic conversion, including new materials and cross-fertilisation with other fields of optoelectronics.
2.1 Perovskite-based Tandems
This subtopic focuses on perovskite-based tandem solar cells such as perovskite-silicon, all-perovskite or perovskite combined with other materials. For tandem structures not containing perovskite see subtopic 2.3. For research focusing on the transformation of single-junction silicon cells into designs appropriate for use as silicon bottom cells in tandem devices, please see Subtopic 1.3.
This subtopic brings together the increasing research into tandem structures employing perovskites. In the first instance this typically envisages structures on silicon, but all other combinations (such as all-thin-film tandems involving perovskite) are welcome. The subtopic comprises theoretical studies, innovations in processing and manufacturing technologies and upscaling, measurement, and characterisation. N.B. For III-V multijunction devices and other tandems not employing perovskites, see subtopic 2.3.
2.2 Perovskites
Lead halide perovskites and their lead-free analogues, perovskite-based devices, manufacturing and up-scaling technologies and strategies.
The subtopic comprises theoretical studies, innovations in processing and manufacturing technologies and upscaling, measurement, and characterisation. Hybrid and other tandems employing perovskites are excluded from this subtopic (please refer to subtopic 2.1).
2.3 Compound and Organic Semiconductors
Compound semiconductor (e.g., II-VI and III-V) and organic devices, materials, surfaces/interfaces and contacts, processing and manufacturing technologies, measurement and characterisation, modelling. Novel cell architectures, materials, technologies, and processing for single and multi-junction cells. Tandem devices that do not involve perovskite. Technology for Space applications.
The broad family of chalcogenide and kesterite thin film technologies, e.g., CI(G)S and CZTS, as well as CdTe, are contained in this subtopic; Polymer, organic and dye-sensitized cells and devices are also included. Devices, materials, surfaces/interfaces and contacts, modelling, processing, and manufacturing technologies, up-scaling technologies and strategies, quality control, lifetime and reliability measurement and characterisation are all covered. III-V and related compound semiconductors. Tandem devices that are not covered under subtopic 2.1 (N.B. for research into the transformation of single-junction silicon cells into designs appropriate for use as silicon bottom cells in tandem devices, please see Subtopic 1.3).
The field of photovoltaics for space is constantly evolving and innovating to meet the challenges and opportunities of the fast-growing space economy, and abstracts related to III-V cell technology for space applications, but also silicon and other cell/array level technologies for space applications, should be submitted to this subtopic.
2.4 New Materials, Devices and Conversion Concepts
New cell materials and concepts, e.g., use of nanotechnologies and quantum effects. New module materials and concepts.
Here we invite papers which describe experimental research realising new materials and device concepts, with emphasis on a rather fundamental or prototype (i.e., low TRL) level.
2.5 New Modelling and Characterization Techniques
Theoretical studies of materials, cells and modules; new measurement techniques, and new modelling and simulation approaches.
This subtopic comprises all theoretical work on photovoltaic conversion as well as, for instance, measurement techniques to reveal e.g., atomic structures or electronic properties.
