This fully equipped lab at Sun-Air Research Institute is a prominent center for research and development of photovoltaic cells, acting as a step towards harnessing solar power with a national and global impact.

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Section of the Photovoltaic Lab

 

The following are some of the equipment available at this lab.

Solar Simulator

With a combined light source of Xenon and LED and capable of a radiation power of 1000 w/m2, sunlight illumination is replicated in a controllable setting. Tests are carried out according to AM1.5.

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Solar Simulator

 

Lithography System

Capable of fabricating micro-channels, micro-sensors, and electric circuits and in the range of 20 to 200 µm, with a light source of 365 nm.

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Lithography System

 

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Samples of lithography process outcome performed in the lab.

 

Thermal Evaporation

Thermal evaporation deposition unit for Al, Au, Cu, Ag capable of layer disposition with a   thickness of 10 to 150 nanometers for generating high quality electric connection.

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Thermal evaporation deposition unit

 

Glove Box

Maintaining a controlled atmosphere of Argon and Nitrogen to create appropriate conditions for operations in a moisture free space.

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Glove Box

 

Pyrolysis Spray

Capable of generating temperatures up to 450° C, a chemical solution with mineral or organic compound is prepared and sprayed on a hot surface and as a result, due to a chemical reaction in the subsurface layer, a thin layer of compound material is generated.

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Pyrolysis Spray Unit

 

Hall Effect Measurement for Sheet Resistance

Measuring sheet resistance and mobility, with sensing devices capable of handling currents from 10 nA up to 1 A, and voltages from 30mv up to 1 v.

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Sensing units

 

Current-Voltage Metering

Keithley 2400 I-V meter for measuring photo diode and photovoltaic characteristic curves, measuring resistance using the 4-point probe method, with a precision capable of measuring voltage and current at their respective micro levels.

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Keithley 2400 I-V meter

 

Spin Coating Unit

Programmable to a maximum speed of 6000 rpm for high quality applying of thin films to substrates, ranging from a few nanometers to a few microns in thickness.

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Spin Coating Unit

 

Ultrasonic Homogenizer

Employing ultrasonic waves, with an adjustable power range from 30 up to a maximum of 300 watts, and a probing tip of 4mm, and capable of continuous or pulsed work cycle to mix and homogenize solid-liquid and liquid-liquid suspensions.

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Ultrasonic Homogenizer

Precision Scale

With the precision of 0.1 mg.

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Precision Scale

 

Vacuum Pump

Two stage and single stage rotary vacuum pumps.

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Vacuum pump

 

Heater Stirrer

Hotplate stirrer with a maximum temperature of 350°C and a rotational speed of 1500 rpm to keeps liquids circulating while being heated for necessary successive reactions.

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Heater Stirrer

 

Ultrasonic Bath

120 volts with 40kHz frequency, fluid is agitated to clean objects of various types and sizes.

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Ultrasonic Bath

 

Lab Heating and Drying Oven

55 lit. oven with 10 programmable modes, with a precision of 0.1°C and up to 200°C, for a variety of drying, heating, curing, and other applicable processes.

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Lab oven