Getting to the bottom of gettering
The NESSI project aimed to exploit waste materials from the semiconductor industry to address a shortage of raw materials in the solar cell industry. The Department of Materials Science from the University of Milano-Bicocca was an integral partner in the project. The funding, provided by the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme, enabled the university to upgrade its laboratory with new equipment. Specifically, a photoluminescence bench was outfitted with a monochromator and an Electron Beam Induced Current (EBIC) tool was added to an existing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). With the aid of these new tools, the Italian scientists were able to analyse material properties in detail during the production of new solar cells. The investigation bore fruit, particularly with respect to how internal gettering, a critical process which helps isolate impurities and limit their damaging influence, works. Another important aspect of the NESSI project is the experience it afforded to young researchers at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Three undergraduates participated in the ingot characterisation phase and produced relevant theses further to their efforts. Complementing theoretical studies with hands-on laboratory work enhances the educational experience of the research scientists of tomorrow. This will help maintain Europe's edge in this very competitive industry.
