With record efficiencies now exceeding 35%, silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells are generating a growing interest in the field of photovoltaic. For space applications, their low manufacturing cost compared to the III-V solar cells typically used is particularly appealing.
Conventional silicon-based cells are especially vulnerable to the irradiations encountered in space. Recently, a "self-recovery" solution was demonstrated by a team at the DTS: thin (90 µm) silicon heterojunction (SHJ) photovoltaic cells were shown to self-regenerate after electron beam irradiation within a few hours under conditions representative of the space environment.
The post-doctoral researcher will be based at the DTS on the INES site (Bourget-du-Lac). The goal of this post-doctoral position is to fabricate Silicon-Perovskite tandem cells using these "space-fit" SHJ cells. Primarily in a cleanroom environment, you will carry out all the fabrication steps for the perovskite top cell. You will characterize the fabricated tandems and propose improvements for one or both of the subcells. Tests to assess resistance to the space environment will be scheduled to evaluate the devices' resistance to irradiation (electrons/protons) and rapid thermal cycling.