Monitoring the fs-laser processing influence on the crystal structure of Metal Halide Perovskite

Photovoltaics (PV) energy stands out as pivotal sustainable source of electricity, offering a pathway to reduce CO2 emissions. In this context, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered substantial attention in recent years due to their exceptional materials properties, which are compatible with photovoltaic applications. The efficiencies in PSCs have rapidly approached those of the best crystalline silicon devices (26.8%) in just a few years of research, showing a promising future (advancing from 3.8% to 26.6% in approximately ten years). Nevertheless, as devices performance approaches its thermodynamics limit, it becomes crucial to develop light management strategies to achieve close-to-ideal device performance. In pursuing this goal, nanopatterning of metal halide perovskites thin films and other functional layers emerges as an essential technique for effective light management. We have developed a novel strategy for nanopatterning the metal halide perovskite (MHP) thin films by using femtosecond lasers. Preliminary results show the surface nanopatterning such as an improvement in the optical properties (PL intensity and longer lifetimes). Here, we aim to elucidate the impact of the morphology and optical modifications induced by the fs-laser processing, and clarify the surface restructuration occurred in the phase transition from the critical point of view of the crystal structure. By monitoring the phase change during the phase transition (t-T) with grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering, we could identify the mechanism behind the restructuration and clearly understand the influence of the ultrashort nature of the fs-laser in the perovskite structure.