A Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) research team led by professor Byoung Deok Choi from the Department of Electronic Engineering and Doctor Seong Heo from the College of Information and Communication Engineering developed an analysis method for solar cell defects for the first time. Most solar cells are used in supplying electronic goods with electricity or generating electricity at ground-base generator. The former can be utilized for lighting, medical refrigerators, and battery chargers due to its portability, while the latter can be used in supplying power to houses and unused land. There was a limitation in improving the capacity of solar cells because there was no way to investigate the causal relationship between the defects that took place on a micro level among small elements during the performance. The research team analyzed the structure of the cells to solve this problem and succeeded in constructing a three-dimensional image of energy defects. This image can provide effects and types of defects by showing their dispersion and shape. It also enables the identification of faults within memory semiconductors and display devices. Experts anticipate that the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of electronic devices will be upgraded through this finding. The research was published in Scientific Reports on August 1, 2016.