This is the Final Project Report for the Photothermal Absorption Spectrometer for Cost Reduction in PV Materials Project.
Report extract
In 2019, Open Instruments undertook the challenge to build and produce an ultra-sensive Photothermal Deflection Spectrometer (PDS) prototype suitable for commercialisation. The AURA PDS, as the product was named, allows users to measure optical absorption with 100x to 1000x higher sensitivity than other commercially available systems. This high sensitivity enables photovoltaic labs and manufacturers to identify and address efficiency-limiting defects in solar cell materials. By producing this instrument, Dr Kampwerth and his team have enabled any research laboratory and R&D group around the world to access this unique measurement capability. The appeal of this highly sensitive instrument and the success of the project is evidenced by its commercial sale to a leading Australian university in the first quarter of 2022.
