Magnetic Field Imaging: Strengths and limitations in characterising solar cells

Current flow patterns inside a solar cell can provide a unique insight into the performance of the cell. Current flows within solar cells generate magnetic fields inside and around the solar cell. Such magnetic fields can be measured and used to study the current flow patterns within a solar cell. In this paper firstly, a tool was developed to map the magnetic field around a solar cell. In addition, a theoretical framework was developed, by expanding upon the existing theory from literature, to convert the magnetic field maps into 3D current vector maps in solar cells. Lastly, certain practical limitations associated with this technique are shown.