University of California, San Diego
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Senior Design Project
Sponsored by David Fenning (UCSD NanoEngineering, SOLEIL)
Hunter Duzen | Evan Gibson | Charlie Lahey | Ava Roethe | Param Shah
GAUSS is an automated system that is able to scribe the P1, P2, and P3 cuts that are needed to make functional perovskite solar cells. The core design components are its ability to selectively scribe certain layers in the solar cell through precise control of force as well as its ability to precisely make cuts in the same location even after the sample is removed and returned to the machine.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained significant attention as a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based photovoltaics due to their high power conversion efficiency, low fabrication costs, and compatibility with flexible substrates. Their layered structure and solution-based manufacturing process make them ideal for scalable, low-temperature production techniques. However, for efficient module integration, these layers must be precisely patterned to create electrical isolation and interconnections between cells—typically achieved through laser or mechanical scribing. Mechanical scribing offers a low-cost, equipment-light alternative, especially in early-stage research or low-resource settings. To support this, a custom gantry system is needed to accurately and repeatably scribe perovskite layers without damaging underlying materials, enabling the development of efficient, scalable PSC modules.
The project is focused on developing a mechanical scribe for perovskite solar cells. The sponsor aims to develop a cleaner, cost-effective alternative that can cut the cells with precision without introducing heat or material damage. The goal is to create a mechanical tool for scribing multiple layers of the solar cells with high repeatability and precision.