Internship | Tuning CIGS absorber deposition for Perovskite-CIGS tandem applications

Introduction
Tandem technology offers a realistic approach to increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic devices above the single-junction efficiency limit. From various tandem technologies, Perovskite-CIGS tandems represent an attractive, cost-effective, all-thin-film viable option.
For high efficiency of such tandem device, the bandgap of the bottom CIGS cell should be ~ 1.1-eV with an anticipated bandgap of the Perovskite cell of 1.6-1.7 eV. In our research group Solar Technologies and Applications, CIGS absorbers of 1.0-eV and 1.16-1.20-eV bandgap are processed reproducibly with good performance of final single junction CIGS solar cells.

The project focuses on optimization of CIGS absorber deposition of ~1.1-eV bandgap for high efficiency Perovskite-CIGS tandem devices. If you are curious about the work we have done so far, please have a look at this paper.

Wat will be your role?
The purpose of this assignment is an optimization of RbF-doped CIGS absorber deposition for high efficiency Perovskite-CIGS tandem devices.
Within this project, you will learn how to prepare and characterize CIGS solar cells, will be involved in designing the experiments, and perform an experimental work to understand and further optimize CIGS solar cells.

You will be working closely with experienced process engineers and PV researchers at the TNO/Solliance building at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven.

• Be enthusiastic and eager to learn about photovoltaics;
• Have an interest in the energy transition;
• Be interested in performing an experimental work and characterization;
• Have good problem solving skills;
• Ability to work autonomously within a small team and good social skills to get the information you need from the most knowledgeable people around you;
• A background in (applied) physics, chemistry, material science or electrical engineering;
• You need to be affiliated with a university during the internship for eligibility.

The duration of this internship is at least 6 months, ideally 9 months, preferably in the last phase of your study; either during MSc or last year of HBO bachelor.
The preferred starting period for this internship will be between August and the end of September.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.