The BASE collaboration investigates the fundamental properties of protons and antiprotons, such as charge-to-mass ratios and magnetic moments, using advanced cryogenic Penning trap systems. In recent ...years, we performed the most precise measurement of the magnetic moments of both the proton and the antiproton, and conducted the most precise comparison of the proton-to-antiproton charge-tomass ratio. In addition, we have set the most stringent constraint on directly measured antiproton lifetime, based on a unique reservoir trap technique. Our matter/antimatter comparison experiments provide stringent tests of the fundamental charge-paritytime invariance, which is one of the fundamental symmetries of the standard model of particle physics. This article reviews the recent achievements of BASE and gives an outlook to our physics programme in the ELENA era. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Antiproton physics in the ELENA era'.
Thin-film silicon tandem (MICROMORPH™) module design optimization process for performance maximization is described together with an analysis of some key reliability topics.
In the first part, the ...procedure for module layout optimization to achieve the maximum module power output is described. In monolithic thin-film modules the layout is realized through a laser scribing interconnection process: a well-controlled laser scribing process is therefore essential to ensure optimal module performance and to minimize unwanted losses.
The second part of the paper focuses on some of the materials used in the fabrication of a solar cell and module of such technology and the processes used to achieve such module assembly, as well as a description of some of the possible failure modes. Special attention is paid to the zinc oxide transparent conductive oxide (ZnO TCO) layers used for the front and back contacts.
The bottom cell (BoCe) and its stability is also analyzed in detail: the influence of process parameters on the BoCe degradation behavior including the differences observed using different thin-film silicon (TF-Si) deposition reactor types, different lamination foils and the impact using different front contact haze is discussed.
In the final part of the paper the effect of particle contamination on the module performance is reviewed: specifically contamination by particles generated during deposition and handling processes. Finally relevant countermeasures to prevent additional module performance loss are discussed.
•Optimization of electrical performance by module layout selection and laser process.•Sensitivity of ZnO:B contact layers and stability improvements.•Degradation due to microcrystalline layer quality and particle contamination.
The structural and mechanical properties of 2D crystalline surface phases that form at the surface of liquid eutectic Au{sub 82}Si{sub 18} are studied using synchrotron x-ray scattering over a large ...temperature range. In the vicinity of the eutectic temperature the surface consists of a 2D atomic bilayer crystalline phase that transforms into a 2D monolayer crystalline phase during heating. The latter phase eventually melts into a liquidlike surface on further heating. We demonstrate that the short wavelength capillary wave fluctuations are suppressed due to the bending rigidity of 2D crystalline phases. The corresponding reduction in the Debye-Waller factor allows for measured reflectivity to be explained in terms of an electron density profile that is consistent with the 2D surface crystals.
The Loss Factors Model (LFM) 1 allows PV modules of any technology to be characterized by outdoor IV measurements into six normalized, independent and physically significant coefficients plus ...correction factors for module temperature and spectral mismatch. These fitted coefficients allow the prediction and validation of PV module performance under any weather conditions. Their magnitudes at higher irradiance levels extrapolate to the STC values to be compared with flash test or datasheet values, values at lower irradiance give the low light performance (LLEC), their gradients vs. module temperature determine temperature coefficients alpha, beta, gamma etc. Differences of the individual LFM coefficients can be seen between single or double junction thin film vs. crystalline silicon technologies with the latter having lower resistance losses. The shapes of any changes with time allow the seasonal annealing or degradation of performance to be distinguished and evaluated.
