News

Just in time for the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (PVSEC) at Feria Valencia in Spain, the Heraeus Thin Film Materials Division (TMD) will showcase a brand-new high purity indium tube target – featuring a ‘near net shape’ – that offers improved results for the production of CIG / CIGS PV solar cells.

Drawing from a comprehensive portfolio of sputter targets for a-Si, CIGS, CdTe and crystalline PV applications, Heraeus will exhibit the new sprayed ZAO tubes for TCO layers, micro-alloyed CIG targets (planar and tube form factors), and high purity 4N+ CuGa and 4N to 5N Indium tubes at the 25th PVSEC.

Helping lower ‘cost of ownership’
For state-of-the-art target alloys, Heraeus offers state-of-the-art development and testing services, including net-shaped processing for tubular and planar targets and closed recycling loops for costly raw materials such as indium and gallium. These are key aspects that help our clients better optimize their ‘cost of ownership’ by maintaining uptime.

Heraeus works closely with PV manufacturers to help achieve “lower cost per watt” values for solar cell production – by enabling improved solar cell efficiency rates – with a comprehensive range of manufacturing capabilities for even large and very complex targets. Our integrated manufacturing technologies range from vacuum induction melting, hot isostatic pressing, rolling and extrusion, to thermal spraying, tube casting and bonding.

In addition, the Heraeus experts offer support for sputter process issues, lab test systems for pre-development, and supply chain management expertise that helps secure critical raw materials at a consistent level of quality.

Our “material life cycle” support is a recognized Heraeus strength, it begins with sourcing the raw material – including precious metals – to refining and recycling used targets.