Introduction

Perovskite is a mineral that is found in abundance on Earth (Figure 1). It was initially discovered in 1839 at the Ural Mountains, and since then has become the focus of intense photovoltaicstudies. Silicon-based solar cells still form the majority of currently installed photovoltaic systems being used today. However, with the fast and ever-growing solar market, concerns of its environmental effect, energy requirements and scalability have forced researchers to look for other low-cost alternatives such as perovskite to produce solar cells.

Scientists across the globe are excited about the promising aspects of this unique material when utilized in tandem with thin film deposition methods. Researchers have already produced highly efficient solar cells that can easily contend with the popular silicon photovoltaic technology. Laboratories utilizing thin film deposition methods are reporting growing efficiencies that are increasing at unprecedented rates, thus demonstrating that perovskite has the fastestefficiency gains of any photovoltaic materials.

Finding the Perfect Perovskite Blend

Following its initial application in solar cells through a dye-sensitized charge conducting scaffold, it was found that the potential of perovskites lies in solid state thin film design, where the majority of studies are currently being performed.

Scientists have discovered the potential of the perovskite material in a wide range of thin film deposition methods, such as sputter deposition and thermal evaporation, both of which can be included in our systems at Angstrom Engineering.

A number of studies are being carried out in thin film perovskite solar cell research. In order to improve efficiency, perovskite is being used along with conventional silicon cells, with certain blends of this material being separated to establish which type of blends are suitable for photovoltaic research. Advancements in perovskite research are occurring on a weekly basis.

Angstrom Engineering Systems: Perfect for Perovskite Research

Angstrom Engineering is in the preliminary phase of studying perovskite for photovoltaics and is happy to assist researchers and scientists to develop highly efficient solar cells utilizing this material.

Angstrom Engineering’s thin film deposition systems are suitable for performing perovskite studies (Figure 2). In fact, for specific research, the company can develop systems that could help researchers to advance this potential field. The systems are customized keeping the cell design in mind. For researchers wishing to try out different designs, Angstrom Engineering can develop specific systems that can sputter contact layers on the substrate, and also evaporate the perovskite material. For specific application needs, customers can discuss their unique plans with the company’s experienced engineers.