Manual of characterisation techniques for thin-film solar cells published with the involvement of HZB researchers

Cover: WILEY-VCH 

Cover: WILEY-VCH 

In August 2016, the second, enlarged edition of the reference book "Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin-Film Solar Cells" appeared from renowned publisher WILEY-VCH. Co-editor is HZB researcher Dr. Daniel Abou-Ras. A total of eleven authors from HZB wrote chapters for this reference. It provides a comprehensive overview of many characterisation and modelling techniques that can be employed for solar cell materials and components.

The heavy involvement of HZB showcases HZB’s extensive methodical expertise in characterising thin films of energy-related materials. Over 24 chapters, the reader gains a comprehensive insight into the characterisation of components and analysis of materials, as well as an overview of the possibilities for simulating material properties, growth processes and component functions.

Link to the book and overview

bibliographic data:

"Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells, 2 Volumes, 2nd Edition"
Daniel Abou-Ras (Editor), Thomas Kirchartz (Editor), Uwe Rau (Editor)

ISBN: 978-3-527-33992-1, 760 pages, August 2016

(red.)

  • Copy link

You might also be interested in

  • Protein crystallography at BESSY II: faster, better and more and more automatic
    Interview
    04.03.2026
    Protein crystallography at BESSY II: faster, better and more and more automatic
    Many diseases are linked to malfunctions of proteins in the organism. The three-dimensional architecture of these molecules is often highly complex, but it can provide valuable insights into biological processes and the development of drugs. X-ray diffraction at the MX beamlines of BESSY II can be used to decipher the 3D structure of proteins. To date, more than 5000 structures have been solved at the three MX beamlines. Here, we present a review and an outlook with  Manfred Weiss, head of the research group for macromolecular crystallography. 
  • Humboldt-Fellow at HZB-Institute for Solar Fuels: Alexander R. Uhl
    News
    02.03.2026
    Humboldt-Fellow at HZB-Institute for Solar Fuels: Alexander R. Uhl
    Alexander R. Uhl, UBC Okanagan School of Engineering in Kelowna, Canada, aims to develop with Roel van de Krol from the HZB Institute for Solar Fuels an efficient and inexpensive photoelectrolyser for producing hydrogen using sunlight. His stay is being funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
  • What Zinc concentration in teeth reveals
    Science Highlight
    19.02.2026
    What Zinc concentration in teeth reveals
    Teeth are composites of mineral and protein, with a bulk of bony dentin that is highly porous. This structure is allows teeth to be both strong and sensitive. Besides calcium and phosphate, teeth contain trace elements such as zinc. Using complementary microscopy imaging techniques, a team from Charité Berlin, TU Berlin and HZB has quantified the distribution of natural zinc along and across teeth in 3 dimensions. The team found that, as porosity in dentine increases towards the pulp, zinc concentration increases 5~10 fold. These results help to understand the influence of widely-used zinc-containing biomaterials (e.g. filling) and could inspire improvements in dental medicine.