Perovskite solar cell efficiency matches that of their silicon counterparts at a relatively small scale, but when Perovskite solar cells bathed in blue light and responding in infrared. Source: Monash Universityup-scaled to large area modules, the performance of perovskite-based devices declines due to the inclusion of defects during fabrication. These nanoscale imperfections can now be detected by shining blue light onto the cells and recording the infrared light that bounces back.

The technique based on intensity modulated photoluminescence enables spatial mapping of surface defects by quantifying impacts on local series resistance that undermine solar cell performance. The data generated can be used to modify and improve quality control in manufacturing methods.

The method was demonstrated by application to a batch of perovskite solar cells and validated with established electrical analysis protocols. Researchers from Wuhan University of Technology (China), Monash University (Australia) and Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation contributed to the development of the light modulation technique, which could lead to the production and commercial deployment of larger perovskite solar cells.