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CONTENTS CONTENTS 8 MARKET OVERVIEW 4


Finlay Colville assesses prospects for the photovoltaic industry, and how photonics technology fits in


PLASMONICS


Rob Coppinger explores the potential for plasmonics in photovoltaics


LUMINESCENCE IMAGING 12


Greg Blackman on how luminescence imaging is improving solar cell efficiency


LASERS AND CELL PRODUCTION 16


Rob Coppinger discovers how laser systems are used to produce solar cells PHOTONIC PRODUCTS


A round-up of photonics and imaging products suitable for photovoltaics


Tel: +44 (0)1223 211170 Fax: +44 (0)1223 213385 Editor Warren Clark (warren.clark@europascience.com) Feature Writers Greg Blackman (greg.blackman@europascience.com), Rob Coppinger (rob.coppinger@europascience.com) Circulation/readership enquiries Pete Vine (subs@europascience.com)


Advertising


Jon Hunt (jon.hunt@europascience.com) +44(0)1223 275470 Alex Mappledoram (alex.mappledoram@europascience.com) +44 (0)1223 275471 Eleanor Waters (eleanor.waters@europascience.com) +44 (0)1223 275473 Advertising Production David Houghton (david.houghton@europascience.com) +44 (0)1223 275474


Chairman Dr Tom Wilkie (tom.wilkie@europascience.com) Publishing Director Warren Clark (warren.clark@europascience.com)


Photovoltaics 2012 is published by Europa Science Ltd, Unit 9, Clifton Court, Cambridge CB1 7BN, UK Tel: +44 (0)1223 211170 Fax: +44 (0)1223 213385 Web: www.europascience.com


SUBSCRIPTIONS: Photovoltaics 2012 is published by Europa Science Ltd, which also publishes Electro Optics, Imaging and Machine Vision Europe and Laser Systems Europe. Free registrations available to qualifying individuals. Paid subscriptions available to readers outside registration requirements. Enquiries to Europa Science, Europa Science Ltd, Unit 9, Clifton Court, Cambridge CB1 7BN, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1223 211170. Fax: +44 (0)1223 213385. ©2012 Europa Science Ltd. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, errors or omissions are not the responsibility of the publishers or of the editorial staff. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or editorial staff. All rights reserved. Unless specifically stated, goods or services mentioned are not formally endorsed by Europa Science Ltd, which does not guarantee or endorse or accept any liability for any goods and/or services featured in this publication.


US copies: Electro Optics (ISSN 0013-4589), Imaging and Machine Vision Europe and Laser Systems Europe are published by Europa Science Ltd and distributed in the US by DSW, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid at Emigsville PA. Postmaster: Send address changes to Europa Science, PO Box 437, Emigsville PA 17318-0437.


Cover: bioraven/Shutterstock PHOTOVOLTAICS 2012 3 16 20 8 12


WELCOME TO PHOTOVOLTAICS 2012


Welcome to this special publication, Photovoltaics 2012, covering the uses of photonics and imaging technology in photovoltaic production. The publication is designed to


serve two purposes. For those in the photovoltaic production industry (for example, those picking up a copy of this magazine at EU PVSEC), the features in the following pages will demonstrate the capabilities of photonics (i.e. lasers and laser technology) and imaging (i.e. industrial camera


technology for quality control), and how these capabilities can benefit the photovoltaic production process. And, if you’re a regular reader of


our titles Electro Optics, Laser Systems Europe or Imaging and Machine Vision Europe, you’ll find plenty of insight and information on how best to apply your knowledge and expertise to an industry that is developing at a rapid rate.


Warren Clark Editor


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