TU Ilmenau to use Aixtron MOCVD tool to develop III-V solar cells
Aixtron SE has an order from existing customer Ilmenau University of Technology, a research institute in Germany. The order is for one Aixtron MOCVD system in a double 1 x 2-inch wafer configuration. The system will be used to develop new materials and structures for III-V-based optoelectronics, high-efficiency concentrator photovoltaics and III-V-integration on silicon and germanium. The reactor was ordered in the third quarter of 2011 and will be delivered and installed by Aixtron Europe’ s service support in the third quarter of 2012 at the new facilities of the photovoltaics department at TU Ilmenau. “This new R&D MOCVD system will make an enormous difference to the effectiveness of our new photovoltaics program,” says Thomas Hannappel, a professor at TU Ilmenau. “We will be able to use its process compatibility with our earlier generation reactors which springs from our long-standing close relationship with Aixtron. This is amongst the best technology available and has the ability to rapidly become effective for even the most challenging research. We also know we can call upon Aixtron’s experienced staff to provide back-up service. This combination will spur our endeavours and deliver world-class results promptly and efficiently.” “We are proud to be part of TU Ilmenau’s new research program in III-V-based photovoltaics, a very important area for the future use of energy,” says Aixtron´s COO Bernd Schulte. “By building on earlier successes we will strive to perfect highly efficient materials and devices with the best economics as the market evolves.” Recently, Thomas Hannappel received a Chair for Photovoltaics from the TU Ilmenau. The position is associated with the scientific leadership of the SolarZentrum of the CiS Forschungsinstitut für Mikrosensorik und Photovoltaik GmbH in Erfurt. For many years, TU Ilmenau has been focussed on energy and environmental technologies. Under Hannappel’s leadership, the Ilmenau institute intends to complete basic scientific and industry-related research. TU Ilmenau also aims to further develop its relationship with the photovoltaic group at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie.
