An advanced software suite for the processing and analysis of silicon luminescence images

Luminescence imaging is a versatile characterisation technique used for a broad range of research and industrial applications, particularly for the field of photovoltaics where photoluminescence and electroluminescence imaging is routinely carried out for materials analysis and quality control. Luminescence imaging can reveal a wealth of material information, as detailed in extensive literature, yet these techniques are often only used qualitatively instead of being utilised to their full potential. Part of the reason for this is the time and effort required for image processing and analysis in order to convert image data to more meaningful results. In this work, a custom built, Matlab based software suite is presented which aims to dramatically simplify luminescence image processing and analysis. The suite includes four individual programs which can be used in isolation or in conjunction to achieve a broad array of functionality, including but not limited to, point spread function determination and deconvolution, automated sample extraction, image alignment and comparison, minority carrier lifetime calibration and iron impurity concentration mapping. Program summary Program title: LumiTools Program Files doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/7nd34fbwfg.1 Licensing provisions: Creative Commons by 4.0 (CC by 4.0) Programming language: Matlab Nature of problem: Data acquired using the technique of luminescence imaging require unique corrections and processing in order to convert the qualitative image into more meaningful, quantitative results. Such processing is often non-trivial and can present a barrier to research. Solution method: The LumiTools package provides a broad array of common functionality required for the processing and analysis of luminescence images. Several tools are available to allow processing for various applications and each tool has been developed with a simple to use graphical user interface.