Ultrafast-laser-induced surface texturing and crystallization of semiconductors for photovoltaic devices

This dissertation discusses the development of a novel laser texturing method that enables fabrication of unique nano/micro surface structures in different material systems and their applications. The primary application described in this work is on the development of improved photovoltaic cells. The interaction of ultrafast lasers in the presence of different reactive and inert gases leads towards formation of nearly regular arrays of conical microstructures (and in some cases nanospikes atop microstructures). These textured surfaces trap the incident light very efficiently in a very broad spectrum (almost 100% over the entire solar spectrum and around 95% in the infrared spectral range of 2.5-25 mum for silicon) and the material looks pitch dark to bare eye. We thoroughly investigated the role of different gases and laser parameters on the formation of these structures and their applications.; Laser texturing and crystallization can be achieved as a one step process for amorphous thin film silicon for photovoltaic application. We have also demonstrated the unique capability of low cost semiconductor laser for crystallizing thick silicon films for photovoltaic applications. Laser texturing and crystallization technique has been applied to fabricate efficient thin film solar cells. Encouraging results for cells fabricated in bulk textured silicon has also been observed. Additionally, we have demonstrated three unique applications of this texturing technology: (a) producing superhydrophobic surfaces in titanium and stainless steel; (b) fabrication of arrays of micro/nano holes in silicon; (c) growth and proliferation of stem cells in textured titanium surfaces.