Application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a 3-dimensional imaging technique for roll-to-roll coated polymer solar cells

The 3-dimensional imaging of complete polymer solar cells prepared by roll-to-roll coating was carried out using high-resolution 1322 nm optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. We found it possible to image the 3-dimensional structure of the entire solar cell that comprises UV-barrier, barrier material, adhesive, substrate and active solar cell multilayer structure. The achievable resolution was 12 μm in the lateral plane and 4.5 μm in the depth. We found that the OCT technique could be readily employed to identify coating defects in the functional layers. We finally identify the limitations of the technique, and future developments that would strengthen the use of the technique are described.

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► Optical coherence microscopy (OCT) was used to build a 3-dimensional map of polymer solar cells.
► Cross sections of entire modules were made showing barrier, adhesive, electrode and active layers.
► OCT was found to complement imaging techniques such as light beam induced current imaging (LBIC).