Optoelectronic Components and Materials Group

Prof. Stephen Forrest

Photovoltaic and Photodetector Testing

Above is main testing station for photovoltaic cells and photodetctors. It includes a solar simulator, monochromator, semiconductor parameter analyzer, and lock in amplifier with chopper. Thin film devices are tested inside a nitrogen glovebox (upper) to protect unpackaged cells from oxygen and humidity. The solar simulatior and other optics (lower) feed light into the glovebox from outside.

A second solar simulator is available in our optics laboratory for experiments which require a more extenive suite of analytical tools.

(Top) A large area solar simulator for long term reliability testing. (Bottom) Homemade multiplexer for scanning up to 108 cells on test.

White LED capable of reaching 40 sun intensity for accelerated aging and reliability testing.

A large capacity oven can hold solar cells at a stable, elevated temperature for lifetime testing.