Hugo Geiger Prize 2010

An important objective of solar cell research is to produce photovoltaic modules inexpensively, in order to make the power it produces competitive with conventional energy resources. One potential concept to achieve this is the use of crystalline thin-film solar cells, which come from a very thin layer of the expensive, ultrapure silicon. Another option can be found in solar cells whose current-collecting contacts are situated only on the back side of the solar cells, laden with via holes.. Physicist Nils Brinkmann of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE showed in his thesis project, „Epitaxy through holes: Process development and characterization," how the advantages of both varieties can be brought together.

One decisive factor in the new cell concept: minute via holes. The epitaxial layers grow through these on both sides of the thin silicon substrate. This completely new approach was developed by Nils Brinkmann with the aid of Simulations that he then applied in a production process. In addition, he showed how the degree of efficiency of the new solar cells can be further optimized. Nils Brinkmann is awarded the 3rd Hugo Geiger Prize.