Thin metal films as applied to Schottky solar cells: optical studies

Thin metal films ( approximately 100 A) have been studied for application to Schottky barrier solar cells (SBSC). Metal films having >55% transmission over the solar spectrum and resistance of 20 ?/? have been applied to Si to form a rectifying contact. A 9.5% sunlight efficient SBSC was produced using 50-A Cr adjacent to the Si for good adhesion and high open circuit voltage and a 50-A Cu overlayer to produce low sheet resistance. Film quality has been related to evaporation rate, metal layer selection, and substrate conditions. Solar cell performance is determined by the transmission and resistance of the thin metal films. Spectral response data show the SBSC to exhibit improved short wavelength sensitivity compared to the p-n Si solar cell.