Description

N-type semiconductor surfaces, like the front emitter of crystalline silicon solar cells, can be electroplated using the photogenerated electrons from illumination to drive the reduction of metal ions from an electrolyte solution. This elegant form of electroplating is termed light-induced plating (LIP) and can additionally be assisted with applied voltage bias. The Solar Fab has three LIP tools, one each for Ni, Cu, and Sn.