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The Interfaces Lab aims to understand and develop thin-film materials that can improve next-generation optoelectronic devices and integrated circuits.
Our focus lies on the dynamics of charge carriers in metal-dielectric and dielectric-semiconductor interfaces. Such interfaces are fundamental to the operation of most electronic devices, from simple diodes and solar cells to complex 2D field effect transistors and memories. We explore a range of functional thin-film materials, which can serve as a platform for tailoring and controlling semiconductor devices. Most notoriously we work in materials that can improve the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic devices. It is our aim to promote the uptake of solar electricity generation throughout the world and in this way contribute to the mitigation of climate change.
This young group was established in 2019 by Dr Ruy Sebastian Bonilla. It brings together our previous world-leading work in silicon photovoltaics, with a new research scope on applied thin-film materials and interfaces. We're also happy to engage in new areas where semiconductor-dielectric interfaces can affect or limit device performance, so please drop us a line if you'd like to collaborate.
Electrostatic Tuning of Ionic Charge in SiO2 Dielectric Thin Films
ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology, 2022 11 063010
Here we show the successful incorporation of K+, Rb+ and Cs+ ions into SiO2 thin films using an electric field and temperature-assisted embedding process. A comprehensive model of ion migration has been developed to show the dependency of ion kinetics on temperature and surface fields.
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 2021 (Top Silicon PV conference contribution)
Here we describe a new method to estimate the interface state density at band tails in dielectric-semiconductor interfaces. For this we use sheet resistance measurements and TCAD predictions of conductivity in space charge layers.
Unravelling the silicon-silicon dioxide interface under different operating conditions
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 2021
Here we investigate the recombination at the Si-SiO2 interface by varying temperature, injection-level, and dielectric charge. Using the extended Shockley-Read-Hall recombination model we provide the first report of the interface defect parameters as a funciton of temperature, including an observation of temperature-dependence in the capture cross-sections.
Assessing the Potential of Inversion Layer Solar Cells Based on Highly Charged Dielectric Nanolayers
physica status solidi (RRL) – Rapid Research Letters, 2021
In this work we study the production and performance of inversion layer silicon solar cells. An ion‐injection technique is used to obtain highly charged dielectric nanolayers, with charge densities as high as 2 × 1013 cm−2. On the basis of such high chage, an efficiency of 24.8% on 10 Ω cm silicon substrates is predicted. Better performance is expected with enhanced passivation, higher charge densities, and optimal negative charge at rear dielectric.
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Solar Energy, 2020
Here we use EBIC to provide insights into the characteristics of PV devices in submicron scales. Imaging and quantification of laser damage is shown on PERC selective emitters, and the effect of laser damage quantified via simulations are shown to reduce 0.12% absolute efficiency of PERC cells.
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Charge fluctuations at the Si–SiO2 interface and its effect on surface recombination in solar cells
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 2020
This work presents a detailed examination of how charge at or near the Si–SiO2 interface influences the performance of silicon solar cells. SiO2 will continue to play a major role in the development of photovoltaic devices.
