Timothy R. Ohno  Associate Professor  Meyer Hall Rm. 444  Phone: (303) 273 3847  email: tohno@mines.edu	Photovoltaics Research group Homepage
Associate Professor of Physics.BS University of Alberta; PhD University of Maryland/College Park.

Research

Condensed matter Physics; Surface physics; epitaxial growth; interfacial science; photovoltaics

A solid sees the rest of the universe through its surfaces - its chemical behavior and many physical properties are strongly influenced by the nature of these exposed surfaces. Corrosion resistance, catalytic behavior, and how solids grow and erode are examples of processes controlled by the top layers. My graduate and postgraduate studies (University of Minnesota Materials Science) used electron spectroscopic methods to study semiconductors and high-temperature superconductors, materials of importance in modern technology. The same tools can be used to help understand the solid - solid interface as well as the solid - gas (or vacuum) interface.

Our recent studies have focussed on thin film CdTe-based solar cells, including electrodeposited and gas jet deposited material produced at CSM. The multi-layered devices possess not only the interlayer interfaces, but additional interfaces as a result of the complex polycrystalline structure. Studies focus on development of new materials and processing for the back contact and related stability studies. Transport and microscopic studies are aimed at determining the fundamental limitations on efficiency in these devices, an important step towards commercialization. A variety of characterization methods are available within the group and through collaboration with the condensed matter faculty, including impedance spectroscopy, electrical transient studies, Hall and Seebeck measurements, spectral and spatially resolved photo- and electroluminescent measurements.

 Last Modified: December 1, 2005
Email comments/suggestions to Webmaster@physics.mines.edu