Reliability Evaluation Through Analytics and Data for Emerging Technology in Photovoltaics

NeXT – Neutron and X-Ray Tomography

Advanced Characterization

  • Simultaneous neutron and X-ray tomographies
  • Spatial resolution (~4μm) with rapid acquisition times (tomographies in 1.5 seconds)
  • Complex in-situ testing apparatus, enabling real-time monitoring of materials under various thermo-chemo-hydro-mechanical conditions
  • Unraveling the coupled processes involved in photovoltaic material degradation

NeXT delivers simultaneous neutron and X-ray tomography, reaching ~4μm spatial resolution with tomographies acquired in 1.5 seconds. It supports in-situ apparatus for real-time monitoring under thermo-chemo-hydro-mechanical conditions, producing 3D/4D images for degradation feature extraction. Neutron radiation offers high sensitivity to light elements, isotope selectivity, deep penetration, and magnetic sensitivity. Two new facilities are under construction: ThRILL (thermal neutron imaging) and PorTo (portable cold neutron tomography).

PV Applications

Within the CACTUS project (GA: 101132182), D17 reflectometry experiments on PV cells revealed the distribution of oxygen and hydrogen across silicon–ITO interfaces. Neutron imaging (NeXT) for PV cells and neutron-based UV-aging studies remain unexplored. The Computing for Science group provides software for neutron data analysis, alongside continuously upgraded tools for data collection, treatment, and management to improve beamtime efficiency.