Solar Cell PL Sorter

The solar cell PL (Photoluminescence) tester is a key equipment that utilizes the photoluminescence principle for non-contact, non-destructive testing of solar cells. It rapidly identifies internal defects (such as micro-cracks, fragments, low-efficiency areas) and evaluates electrical performance parameters (e.g., minority carrier lifetime, efficiency distribution). Primarily used for production line quality control and process optimization.

Product Features

• Non-contact & Non-destructive Testing: Uses photoluminescence principle without touching the cell surface, completely avoiding physical damage or contamination to fragile cells, ensuring product integrity.

• High-speed Scanning & Imaging: Completes full-cell scanning within seconds, generating high-resolution PL images, significantly improving production line efficiency and throughput.

• High-precision Defect Visualization: Extremely sensitive to microscopic defects (e.g., micro-cracks, fragments, broken grids, contamination, process non-uniformity), clearly locating issues invisible to the naked eye.

• Quantitative Electrical Performance Evaluation: Analyzes PL signal intensity to quantitatively assess key parameters like minority carrier lifetime distribution and efficiency uniformity, providing direct data for process optimization.

Technical Specifications

Applications

• Production Line Quality Screening: Core application for online/offline rapid defect detection (micro-cracks, fragments, contamination, process defects), enabling real-time sorting to improve yield and reduce breakage risks.

• Process Optimization & Monitoring: Quantitative comparison of PL images/parameters across batches to identify process bottlenecks (texturing, diffusion, coating, firing), enhancing efficiency and uniformity.

• R&D Validation for New Products: Non-destructive evaluation of novel cell structures (TOPCon, HJT, IBC) or materials through high-resolution performance mapping, accelerating development cycles.

• Failure Analysis & Reliability Studies: Precise localization of microscopic defects or degradation areas in abnormal cells, facilitating root-cause analysis for improved long-term reliability.

Precautions

• 1. Darkroom Environment: Testing requires complete darkness to avoid ambient light interference, ensuring image clarity (especially for micro-defects).

• 2. Calibration & Standardization: Regular light intensity/spectral calibration is essential. Different cell types require matched parameters (laser wavelength/power) to prevent misjudgment.

• 3. Surface Cleanliness: Fingerprints, oil, or dust on cells may block PL signals. Clean samples with lint-free gloves before testing to avoid false positives.

• 4. Avoid Over-excitation: Prolonged high-power laser exposure may cause thermal damage (especially for thin or PERC cells). Optimize intensity/scan speed by cell type.

• 5. Cross-validation with Electrical Tests: PL images reflect carrier recombination distribution. Critical conclusions (e.g., efficiency loss) require EL or IV test verification.

• 6. Safety & Maintenance:
  Laser Safety: Wear protective goggles; avoid direct beam exposure.
  Optical Maintenance: Regularly clean lenses/filters to prevent dust accumulation and signal degradation.