Ladlennon C. Banuag, Jonnifer R. Sinogaya, Rommel G. Bacabac, Xavier L. Bacalla, Raymund Lee Antonio C. Sarmiento
We have developed an optical-feedback confocal microscopy (OFCM) system integrated with LabVIEW’s graphical user interface (GUI) for improved control and analysis in the context of solar cell imaging and characterization. The integration of LabVIEW’s GUI offers intuitive and real-time control over confocal microscopy parameters, including scan width and scan height dimensions in millimeters and precise axial and lateral step sizes in micrometers. Leveraging LabVIEW’s versatility, the confocal images were processed and quantitatively analyzed in MATLAB to assess solar cell microstructures and defects through information obtained from point-by-point calculation of photovoltaic parameters such as the open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Isc), fill factor (FF), and energy conversion efficiency. A 2D reflectance scan of a 100-pixel image, using a 10-µm step size, was completed in just 58 s, highlighting the system’s efficiency for rapid imaging. In comparison, a 2D current-voltage (IV) scan with the same step size and resolution requires 25 min due to the more complex point-by-point measurement of photovoltaic parameters. The results demonstrated the efficacy of the integrated OFCM system in terms of automation and real-time control, achieving spatial resolutions of 5 µm with the capability to reach as fine as 1 µm while maintaining reliability and repeatability, showcasing its potential to streamline the imaging and characterization processes in solar cell research, thereby contributing to advancements in solar energy technologies. *Corresponding author_ rcsarmiento@usc.edu.ph.
Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Region VII, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Medical Biophysics Group–Center for Tissue Engineering and Biological Soft Materials, University of San Carlos, Region VII, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Department of Physics, University of San Carlos, Region VII, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines
