Comparison of properties of thin films of CuInSe2 and its alloys produced by evaporation, RF-sputtering and chemical spray pyrolysis

This paper summarizes a six-year research program aimed at preparation and characterization of thin films of the chalcopyrite semiconductor CuInSe₂ suitable for photovoltaic solar cells and other semiconductors devices. The thin film deposition methods used were evaporation, flash evaporation, RF-sputtering and chemical spray pyrolysis. Problems with producing films of reproducible properties by these methods are discussed. Gaps in our knowledge of the dependence of the opto-electronic properties of CuInSe₂ crystals and films on structural defects and other imperfections are pointed out.