Solar Patents for Sale or License
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Device Leveling Elements
The unique features of this product include a floor-lamp style base with hidden adjustable feet, which can be used with or exchanged by hidden adjustable spikes.
The product is designed to provide leveling and stability on even, uneven, uniform
or non-uniform surfaces.
Great for hard surfaces...
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The Fence Enhancer
A fully patented product. This amazing new item is the fence enhancer. The Fence Enhancer is Designed for colonial style metal rail fence 1 inch x 1 inch I have produced. Patent is good for any size. I have a second Patent for the Rail of a chain link style metal fence. Secure clamp over rail in an...
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OVER UNITY THROUGH MAGNETISM THE POWER AMPLIFIER. ELECTRICITY, WIND, HYDRO, SOLAR.
This is the power of Clean Energy! More output than input. Certainly this is useful in every power producing system throughout the world. Of course, the big question is HOW? I will tell you, I have discovered how to operate powerful magnets with extremely little force, allowing all of the excess pow...
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Air Cooled Umbrella
An air cooled sunshade constructed to provide cooling under the canopy of the sunshade.
The perfect inventions for homeowners and resorts based in hot climate areas....
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Transparent Contacts Organic Solar Panel by Spray
A method of fabricating organic solar panels with transparent contacts. The method uses a layer-by-layer spray technique to create the anode layer. The method includes placing the substrate on a flat magnet, aligning a magnetic shadow mask over the substrate, applying photoresist to the substrate us...
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System and Method for Increasing the Efficiency of a Solar Heating System
A modified evacuated tube solar collector is used to improve the performance of refrigerant based heat pumps. During cooler weather, when the heat pump does not draw sufficient heat from the air to heat effectively, the solar collector provides additional heat to the refrigerant boosting the heat pu...
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Photovoltaic Ladder Inverter
This invention is for a unique DC-AC conversion topology for solar photovoltaic arrays that incorporates the best features of both central string inverters and DC-DC optomizers. It has a simple, elegant design with high reliability, high efficiency and low cost.
In patentese:
Techniques for DC-t...
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Heating cooling and storing energy in a building with just two moving parts
Solar-fin overview
Nature is the most efficient collector of energy: A flower opens and closes with the sun to collect energy. So why can’t buildings do the same? The Solar-fin system emulates this simplicity with 2 moving parts to heat or cool a thermal storage medium and to then transfer this ene...
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Safety System to Reduce Risk of Electrocution at Photovoltaic Panels Level
Safety System to reduce risk of Electrocution at Photovoltaic Panels Level.
The present invention relates to an electronic system and related methods of control, to be used as safety switch at Photovoltaic Panels Level.
Said system can solve the dramatic issue of human exposition to electrocuti...
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Photocatalytic Structures, Methods of Making Photocatalytic Structures, and Methods of Photocatalysis
Embodiments of the present disclosure include structures, photocatalytic structures, and photoelectrochemical structures, methods of making these structures, methods of making photocatalysis, methods of splitting H2O, methods of splitting CO2, and the like...
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Novel Anchoring Ligands for Sensitizers of Dye-sensitized Photovoltaic Devices
The present invention relates to novel pyridine compounds that can be used as anchoring ligands in metal-based sensitizing dyes of dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The dyes comprising the polypyridine compounds exhibit improved light harvesting ability and lead to increased conversion efficiencies...
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Semiconductor Component Having Diamond-containing Electrodes and Use Thereof
The invention relates to a semiconductor component containing at least one electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly comprises at least two electrodes, of which at least one electrode is a diamond-containing electrode. The semiconductor component moreover comprises at least one monolithical...
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Up and Down Conversion Systems for Improved Solar Cell Performance Or Other Energy Conversion
A system and a conversion element for power conversion. The power conversion system includes a power conversion device which produces electric power upon illumination and includes a light conversion device which down-converts and up-converts a radiant source of energy into a specific energy spectrum...
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Transparent Contacts Organic Solar Panel By Spray
A method of fabricating organic solar panels with transparent contacts. The method uses a layer-by-layer spray technique to create the anode layer. The method includes placing the substrate on a flat magnet, aligning a magnetic shadow mask over the substrate, applying photoresist to the substrate us...
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Solar Wall Element
The invention relates to a solar wall element (1) for generating heat from solar radiation energy (2), particularly for use as a component of an external building envelope. Said solar wall element (1) comprises a solid (3) and/or a hollow member made of at least partially transparent or at least lig...
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Organic Photovoltaic Device with Interfacial Layer and Method of Fabricating Same
An organic photovoltaic device and method of forming same. In one embodiment, the organic photovoltaic device has an anode, a cathode, an active layer disposed between the anode and the cathode; and an interfacial layer disposed between the anode and the active layer, the interfacial layer comprisin...
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Arrays of Ultrathin Silicon Solar Microcells
Provided are solar cells, photovoltaics and related methods for making solar cells, wherein the solar cell is made of ultrathin solar grade or low quality silicon. In an aspect, the invention is a method of making a solar cell by providing a solar cell substrate having a receiving surface and assemb...
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Graded Organic Photovoltaic Device
A photovoltaic device includes a first heterojunction layer having a first donor type organic material and a first acceptor type organic material, in which a concentration of at least one of the first donor type organic material and the first acceptor type organic material is graded continuously fro...
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Photovoltaic Cell
A photovoltaic cell has two electrodes and a hole injection layer. A liquid crystal material and a plurality of particles can be disposed between the electrodes....
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High Efficiency Hybrid Solar Cell
This invention relates to a high efficiency hybrid solar cell comprised of a dichroic mirror, a first cell stack comprising two cells, the first cell being a GaInP cell and the second cell being a GaAs cell and a second cell stack comprising three cells, the first cell being a Si cell, the second ce...
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Processes for Fabricating All-back-contact Heterojunction Photovoltaic Cells
Processes for fabricating back contacts for photovoltaic cell devices are disclosed. The processes involve depositing a passivation layer on the back surface of a wafer, depositing an emitter layer on the passivation layer, depositing a metal layer on the emitter layer, laser firing selected areas o...
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Method for Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Cells By Power Converters and Power Combiners
This invention relates to a method for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) a photovoltaic cell by a power converter that provides an output current at voltages useful to operate electronics or charge batteries. This invention also relates to a method for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) multiple ...
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Multijunction High Efficiency Photovoltaic Device and Methods of Making the Same
Photovoltaic devices and methods of making photovoltaic devices are provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a plurality of solar cells electrically coupled to each other. The plurality of solar cells are formed of respective semiconductor material having different band gaps. Each solar cell incl...
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Thin Group IV Semiconductor Structures
Thin group IV semiconductor structures are provided comprising a thin Si substrate and a second region formed directly on the Si substrate, where the second region comprises either (i) a Ge1-xSnx layer; or (ii) a Ge layer having a threading dislocation density of less than about 105/cm2, and the eff...
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InGaN Columnar Nano-Heterostructures for Solar Cells
Methods, devices, and compositions of matter related to high efficiency InGaN-based photovoltaic devices. The disclosed synthesis of semiconductor heterostructures may be exploited to produce higher efficiency, longer lasting, photovoltaic cells....
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Functionally Graded Solar Roofing Panels and Systems
Solar panels and solar heating systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the solar panels include the following: a top protective layer; a thin-film photovoltaic layer adjacent the top layer; a bottom polymeric substrate layer opposite the top layer; and a functionally graded material interlayer p...
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Flash Light Annealing for Thin Films
A method of making a crystalline film includes providing a film comprising seed grains of a selected crystallographic surface orientation on a substrate; irradiating the film using a pulsed light source to provide pulsed melting of the film under conditions that provide a mixed liquid/solid phase an...
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Hierarchical Assembly of Nanostructured Organic Heterojunctions for Photovoltaic Devices
Systems and methods for hierarchical assembly of nanostructured organic heterojunctions for photovoltaic devices are described. Particularly, an apparatus for converting light energy to electrical energy is provided. An apparatus includes one or more organic photovoltaic devices. Photovoltaic device...
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Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Photovoltaic Device and Method for Making
A novel photovoltaic device including a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material that is capable of converting solar energy to electrical energy and method for making. The device may optionally include a conductive container for holding the PDLC material. In an exemplary embodiment, the inve...
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Tilting/Tracking System for Solar Devices
A tracking system is provided for a roof-mounted solar array. The system includes a sensor mechanism for sensing an orientation of the sun relative to the solar array, and a controller connected to the sensor mechanism that generates a signal that represents an optimal tilt angle of the solar array ...
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Type Ii Quantum Dot Solar Cells
A device comprises a plurality of fence layers of a semiconductor material and a plurality of alternating layers of quantum dots of a second semiconductor material embedded between and in direct contact with a third semiconductor material disposed in a stack between a p-type and n-type semiconductor...
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Low Resistance Thin Film Organic Solar Cell Electrodes
A method which lower the series resistance of photosensitive devices includes providing a transparent film of a first electrically conductive material arranged on a transparent substrate; depositing and patterning a mask over the first electrically conductive material, such that openings in the mask...
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Efficient Solar Cells Using All-organic Nanocrystalline Networks
An optoelectronic device and a method of fabricating a photosensitive optoelectronic device includes depositing a first organic semiconductor material on a first electrode to form a continuous first layer; depositing a layer of a second organic semiconductor material on the first layer to form a dis...
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Solar Cells
Organic photosensitive optoelectronic devices are disclosed. The devises are thin-film crystalline organic optoelectronic devices capable of generating a voltage when exposed to light, and prepared by a method including the steps of: depositing a first organic layer over a first electrode; depositin...
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Organic Photovoltaic Devices
The present invention generally relates to organic photosensitive optoelectronic devices. More specifically, it is directed to organic photovoltaic devices, e.g., organic solar cells. Further, it is directed to an optimized organic solar cell comprising multiple stacked subcells in series. High powe...
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Semiconductor Coated Microporous Graphene Scaffolds
A high surface area scaffold to be used for a solar cell, made of a three- dimensional percolated network of functionalized graphene sheets. It may be used in the preparation of a high surface area electrode by coating with a semi conductive material. Electronic devices can be made therefrom, includ...
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Organic Photosensitive Cells Grown on Rough Electrode with Nano-scale Morphology Control
An optoelectronic device and a method for fabricating the optoelectronic device includes a first electrode disposed on a substrate, an exposed surface of the first electrode having a root mean square roughness of at least 30 nm and a height variation of at least 200 nm, the first electrode being tra...
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Organic Photosensitive Optoelectronic Device Having a Phenanthroline Exciton Blocking Layer
An organic photosensitive optoelectronic device, having an anode, a cathode, and an organic blocking layer between the anode and the cathode is described, wherein the blocking layer comprises a phenanthroline derivative, and at least partially blocks at least one of excitons, electrons, and holes....
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Organic photosensitive optoelectronic device
The invention relates to a mixed electrical configuration stacked organic photosensitive optoelectronic device comprising a substrate having a proximal surface and a distal surface and plurality of subassemblies of organic photosensitive optoelectronic subcells, each of said subcells having a cathod...
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Controlled growth of larger heterojunction interface area for organic photosensitive devices
An optoelectronic device and a method of fabricating a photosensitive optoelectronic device includes depositing a first organic semiconductor material on a first electrode to form a continuous first layer having protrusions, a side of the first layer opposite the first electrode having a surface are...
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Increased open-circuit-voltage organic photosensitive devices
The invention relates to a photosensitive device comprising: an anode and a cathode; and a first organic material and a second organic material forming a donor-acceptor heterojunction electrically connected between the anode and the cathode, wherein the first and second organic materials, as arrange...
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Nanoscopically Thin Photovoltaic Junction Solar Cells
Nanoscopically thin photovoltaic junction solar cells are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, there is provided a photovoltaic film 100 that includes a p-doped region 102, an n-doped region 106, and an intrinsic region 104 positioned between the p-doped region 102 and the n-doped region 106, wherein...
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Apparatus and Methods for Visual Perception Using an Array of Nanoscale Waveguides
Nanoscale photovoltaic devices fabricated from nanoscale waveguides that receive, propagate, and convert incident light into electrical neural signals, and methods of using these photovoltaic devices for visual perception are disclosed herein. A visual neuroprosthetic device includes an array of nan...
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Solar Thermoelectric Conversion
Systems and methods utilizing solar-electrical generators are discussed. Solar- electrical generators are disclosed having a radiation-capture structure and one or more thermoelectric converters. Heat produced in a capture structure via impingement of solar radiation can maintain a portion of a ther...
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Apparatus and methods for solar energy conversion using nanoscale cometal structures
An apparatus and methods for solar conversion using nanoscale cometal structures are disclosed herein. The cometal structures may be coaxial and coplanar. A nanoscale optics apparatus (100) for use as a solar cell comprises a plurality of nanoscale cometal structures each including a photovoltaic ma...
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Apparatus and methods for solar energy conversion using nanocoax structures
An apparatus and method for solar conversion using nanocoax structures are disclosed herein. A nano-optics apparatus for use as a solar cell comprising a plurality of nano-coaxial structures comprising an internal conductor surrounded by a semiconducting material coated with an outer conductor; a fi...
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Nucleic Acid-based Photovoltaic Cell
Photovoltaic cells containing nucleic acid materials and methods of production and use are provided. The nucleic acid materials have photovoltaic donor and acceptor molecules incorporated therein and define a spatial organization and orientation for these molecules that inhibits recombination of exc...
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Protein-Based Photovoltaics and Methods of Use
Protein-based photovoltaic cells and the manufacture and use of protein-based photovoltaic cells are described. In one embodiment, bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium salinarum, which undergoes structural transitions when irradiated with a given wavelength of light, is used as the protein in the pr...
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Light Source and Method for Producing Light
The invention relates to a light source, comprising an optical resonator (1) and an optical medium (2) arranged therein that can be excited so as to emit light, wherein the optical medium (2) comprises at least one two-level system, in particular a two-level system that is not population-inverted, h...
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Stabilisation of the Repetition Rate of a Passively Q-switched Laser By Means of Coupled Resonators
The invention relates to a Q-switched laser comprising a pump light source (1), an optical resonator, in which a laser medium (6) is situated and a passive Q-switch (5). The aim of the invention is to provide an improved Q-switched laser which has a simple, compact construction with a repetition rat...
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Glass Sealing of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
The present invent describes a new sealing process of a specific type of photovoltaic cells named dye-sensitized solar cells. Currently, the sealing of these cells is made by means of a polymer, which connects the two electrode substrates made of glass, isolating the cell's inner content from the ou...
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Smart Device for Absorbing Solar Energy and Controling Sunlight Admission
The present invention provides a process for absorbing solar energy and, simultaneously having a continuous control of the light admission making it possible to install the device in external openings of buildings and equipment, such as windows, shutters or skylights. The system comprises two frames...
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Method and Device for Measuring Characteristic Curves in Photovoltaic Systems
The invention relates to a measuring device that can capture the characteristic curves in photovoltaic systems, such as current versus voltage (I-V) and power versus voltage (P-V) of a solar cell (CS), of a photovoltaic panel (PV) or of a group of same. The invention is characterised in that it is f...
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Pyranometer
The invention relates to a high-precision pyranometer with a reduced production cost, the measurements from which are not affected by external temperature differences, thereby eliminating the problem of cosine error, as well as the problems of noise and uncertainties and errors in the processes invo...
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Thin-film Solar Cells Having Combined Textures
The surface of the substrate has a micrometric pyramidal texture together with a superimposed nanometric random texture formed on the surface of the substrate of a layer of metal or of a layer of transparent conductive oxide (TCO). The corresponding laminas can be prepared by hot-embossing lithograp...
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Direct-bandgap Nano-crystalline Optoelectronic Devices
A photovoltaic device is provided comprising a thin-film of an energy conversion material. The energy conversion material includes one or more quantum structures, where the quantum structures comprise a semiconductor material having an indirect band-gap in the bulk. The average size of the quantum s...
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Solar Module for Summer Houses
Invention is connected with civil and thermal engineering technologies and proposes solutions for use of renewable energy sources - solar energy in case of periodical use of houses particularly summer houses in late autumn, winter time and early spring. Prolongation of life time of building outer co...
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Conducting self-cleaning materials and process for producing same
The invention provides a self-cleaning material suitable for use as a front contact in a photovoltaic solar cell structure comprising zinc oxide and indium. The advantage of the invention is to provide a multifunctional thin film material, properties of which include (1) transparency, (2) high level...
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Photovoltaic Devices
A photovoltaic device including cathode and anode electrodes (3, 11), and a photovoltaically active layer (5) located over both said electrodes...
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Novel Block Copolymers, Methods of Preparation and their Use in Heterojunction Devices
The invention relates to novel block copolymers having both electron donor and electron acceptor monomer units and to methods for their preparation. A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of the novel block copolymers in the fabrication of polymer film based heterojunction devices. In ...
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Novel Compounds, Derivatives Thereof and their Use in Heterojunction Devices
The invention relates to novel polyaromatic and polyheteroaromatic compounds and derivatives thereof. The compounds display high solubility in organic solvents. A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of the novel compounds in the fabrication of organic film based heterojunction devices...
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Method of Manufacturing Mesoscopic Solar Cells
A method of manufacturing a dye sensitised solar cell or other mesoscopic solar cell, including the steps of coating at least a portion of a surface of a substrate with an electrode film or other functional layer, and applying an isostatic pressure over the coated substrate to thereby compact the el...
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Methods for Fabricating Photovoltaic Modules By Tuning the Optical Properties of Individual Components
Methods for fabricating a photovoltaic module, and the resulting photovoltaic module, are provided and include selecting a photovoltaic cell operable to convert photons to electrons, selecting a light transparent superstrate material having a superstrate absorption coefficient and a superstrate refr...
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Photovoltaic Cell
We developed carbon nanotube-on-silicon heterojunction solar (photovoltaic) cells are provided with moderate efficiencies (>7%) and excellent air stability by integrating nanotechnology with silicon technology. The manufacturing process is simple and scalable, involving solution transfer of a unifor...
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Liquid Crystalline Interpenetrating Polymer Networks
A photovoltaic cell is provided. The photovoltaic cell can be an interconnecting liquid crystalline polymer network. Reactive mesogens of the formula B-S-A-S-B wherein A is a chromophore, S is a spacer and B is an end group susceptible to polymerization are used in the manufacture of the interconnec...
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Solar Energy Harvesting System
Disclosed is a solar energy harvesting system comprising: a solar radiation redirecting layer, comprising an array of features with a sub millimetre scale, adapted to redirect solar radiation having a predetermined range of wavelengths; a solar radiation guiding layer for guiding solar radiation; wh...
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System for Selectively Filling Pin Holes, Weak Shunts And/or Scribe Lines in Photovoltaic Devices and Photovoltaic Cells Made Thereby
A system for selectively filling pin holes, weak shunts and/or scribe lines in photovoltaics devices and photovoltaic cells made thereby is described....
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System and Method for High Yield Deposition of Conductive Materials Onto Solar Cells
A system for reducing damage to solar cells during a process for depositing a conductive material on a solar cell is disclosed where an electrical bias or floating potential is applied to the solar cell; and/or an electrical bias is applied to an external electrode(s) so that charged particles of a ...
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Flexible Photovoltaic Cells Having a Polyimide Material Layer and Method of Producing Same
A photovoltaic cell is fabricated onto a polyimide film using an unbalanced RF magnetron sputtering process. The sputtering process includes the addition of 0.05% to 0.5% oxygen to an inert gas stream. Portions of the photovoltaic cell are exposed to an elevated temperature CdCl2 treatment which is ...
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Nanodipole Photovoltaic Devices, Methods of Making and Methods of Use Thereof
A photovoltaic device includes a built-in electric field generated by electric dipoles of nanoparticles embedded in a photoconducting host....
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Method of Producing a Flexible Photovoltaic Cell Using a Flexible Polymer-fixture Laminate
A roll-to-roll manufacturing process for producing flexible, thin-film photovoltaic cells includes a flexible manufacturing fixture to transport a superstrate layer between successive processing stations. The processing stations apply functional layers of the photovoltaic cell in succession while th...
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Back Contact Buffer Layer for Thin-film Solar Cells
A photovoltaic cell structure is disclosed that includes a buffer/passivation layer at a CdTe/Back contact interface. The buffer/passivation layer is formed from the same material that forms the n-type semiconductor active layer. In one embodiment, the buffer layer and the n-type semiconductor activ...
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Nanostructured Organic Solar Cells
Solar cells having at least one N-type material layer and at least one P-type material layer forming a patterned p-n junction are described. A conducting layer may provide electrical communication between the p-n junction and an electrode layer....
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A Solar Water Heater
The present invention provides a solar water heating apparatus which includes concentric inner and outer vessels defining an annular cavity therebetween, within which cavity a phase change material is located, and which is vaporised when solar radiation is incident on the outer vessel, in order to t...
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Method of Forming a Solar Cell Absorber Layer
A method of forming a layer of CuxZny(Gp14)z(Gp16) w where [x/(y+z) lies in the range 0.6 - 1.4], y/(y + z) lies in the range 0.25 - 0.7 and w/(x + y + z) lies in the range 0.8 - 1.2 comprising the steps of : depositing a primary structure on a substrate, the primary structure comprising a first com...
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Solar Cell Assembly
A solar cell assembly comprising a solar cell and light collector, said solar cell comprising a photoconducting material which has a generally planar structure comprising first and second opposing sides having the largest surface area of the sides of said structure with remaining sides forming the e...
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Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices and Methods for Making Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices
A semiconductor-based optoelectronic device such as a solar cell has an n-type layer and a p-type layer, together forming a p-n junction. Contact regions are formed on the device, with light-receiving regions between contact regions. A window layer is formed over the n-type layer or the p-type layer...
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Intermediate Band Semiconductor Photovoltaic Devices, Uses Thereof and Methods for their Manufacture
A photovoltaic device such as a solar cell is disclosed having an n-base layer of Inx (AlyGai-y) 1-xP and a p-emitter layer of Inx (AlyGa1-y) 1-xP. x is typically 0.48 for the n-base and for the p-emitter. The n-base layer comprises a superlattice structure, or a superlattice structure is provided b...
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Photovoltaic Devices Comprising Ion Pairs
A photovoltaic (PV) device having an electron donor region and electron acceptor region, the donor and acceptor regions comprising conjugated polymers and/or molecular semiconductors, ion pairs being, preferably preferentially, located at, near or towards the interface between the donor and acceptor...
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Photovoltaic module for use on roof to produce energy, has solar cells arranged on substrate, predominantly covered with expandable material and arranged in such manner that solar cells are partly spa
The module (1) has solar cells (6) arranged on a substrate (2), which consists of an expandable material. The cells are predominantly covered with another expandable material and arranged in such a manner that the cells are partly spaced to each other, where the latter expandable material is polyure...
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Method for Manufacturing Solar Cell
A method for manufacturing a solar cell having a single crystal silicon substrate and an amorphous silicon layer provided at least on one side surface of the single crystal silicon substrate is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming an intrinsic amorphous silicon layer by coating a ...
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Solar Cell Module and Method of Producing Same
A solar cell module and method of producing the same. The solar cell module has a configuration in which busbars (21) are bonded by a conductive adhesive (18) onto the back surface electrode layer (14) of a solar cell (10) comprising a translucent insulation substrate (11) on which a transparent con...
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Method for Manufacturing Thin Film Solar Cell
Disclosed is a thin film solar cell manufacturing method provided with an adhesion step wherein a bus bar is adhered to the backside electrode layer of a solar cell string comprised of a transparent electroconductive film, a photovoltaic conversion layer, and the backside electrode layer which are f...
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Solar Panel, Manufacturing Method Therefor, Solar Cell Module, and Solar Panel Manufacturing Device
Disclosed are a solar panel having high reliability and productivity with improved insulation properties and moisture resistance at the peripheral edges, a solar cell module, a solar cell manufacturing method, and a solar cell manufacturing device. The solar panel (1) is equipped with a solar cell e...
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Cheap Energy from the Sun
Isis Project No 3656 A novel inorganic thin film photovoltaic system has been developed which offers stable low cost solar generation without using rare-metal elements.
Marketing Opportunity
Cheap solar technologies which are easily mass produced are highly desirable and a key part of rising to...
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Sun Thermodynamic Power Station
Sun Thermodynamic Power Station...
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Extremely Efficient Small Molecule for Organic Solar Cells
BACKGROUND: Solar cells based on organic semiconductors are evolving into a promising cost-effective alternative to silicon-based solar cells due to low-cost and easy fabrication by solution processing, their light weight, and compatibility with flexible substrates. Devices based on these materials ...
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Solar Power Mechanism - User Friendly, Highly Effecient, Economical & Proprietary
An improved solar power mechanism that absorbs and utilizes the light and heat energy it collects with little escaping back into the atmosphere. Current technologies are highly inefficient and serve to reflect useful heat and light energy wastefully back into the atmosphere. Current designs add to g...
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Voltage-Matched, Monolithic, Multi-Band-Gap Devices
Monolithic, tandem, photonic cells include at least a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer, wherein each semiconductor layer includes an n-type region, a p-type region, and a given band-gap energy. Formed within each semiconductor layer is a sting of electrically connected phot...
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Wafer Characteristics via Reflectometry and Wafer Processing Apparatus and Method
This system includes a measuring device to acquire non-contact thickness measurements of a wafer and a laser beam to cut the wafer at a rate based at least in part on one or more thicknesses measurements. The method includes illuminating a substrate with radiation, measuring at least some radiation ...
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ZnO/Cu(InGa)Se, Solar Cells Prepared by Vapor Phase Zn Doping
A process for making a thin film ZnO/Cu(InGa)Se.sub.2 solar cell without depositing a buffer layer and by Zn doping from a vapor phase, comprising: depositing Cu(InGa)Se.sub.2 layer on a metal back contact deposited on a glass substrate; heating the Cu(InGa)Se.sub.2 layer on the metal back contact o...
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Voltage-Matched, Monolithic, Multi-Band-Gap Devices
Monolithic, tandem, photonic cells include at least a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer, wherein each semiconductor layer includes an n-type region, a p-type region, and a given band-gap energy. Formed within each semiconductor layer is a sting of electrically connected phot...
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Vertical Two Chamber Reaction Furnace
A vertical two chamber reaction furnace. The furnace comprises a lower chamber having an independently operable first heating means for heating the lower chamber and a gas inlet means for admitting a gas to create an ambient atmosphere, and an upper chamber disposed above the lower chamber and havin...
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Variable Temperature Semiconductor Film Deposition
A method of depositing a semiconductor material on a substrate. The method sequentially comprises (a) providing the semiconductor material in a depositable state such as a vapor for deposition on the substrate; (b) depositing the semiconductor material on the substrate while heating the substrate to...
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Uniform -Burning Matrix Burner
Technology Description Computer simulation was used in the development of an inward-burning, radial matrix gas burner and heat pipe heat exchanger. The burner and exchanger can be used to heat a Stirling engine on cloudy days when a solar dish, the normal source of heat, cannot be used. Geometrical ...
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Unglazed Transpired Solar Collector Having a Low Thermal Conductance Absorber
Technology Description An unglazed transpired solar collector using solar radiation to heat incoming air for distribution, comprising an unglazed absorber formed of low thermal-conductance material having a front surface for receiving the solar radiation and openings in the unglazed absorber for pas...
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Ultra-Accelerated Natural Sunlight Exposure Testing Facilities
Technology Description A multi-faceted concentrator apparatus for providing ultra-accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing for sample materials under controlled weathering conditions comprising: facets that receive incident natural sunlight, transmits VIS/NIR and reflects UV/VIS to deliver a un...
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Ultra-Accelerated Natural Sunlight Exposure Testing
Technology Description Process and apparatus for providing ultra accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing of samples under controlled weathering without introducing unrealistic failure mechanisms in exposed materials and without breaking reciprocity relationships between flux exposure levels an...
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Stand-Alone Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Electrochromic Window
Technology Description A variable transmittance double pane window includes an electrochromic material that has been deposited on one pane of the window in conjunction with an array of photovoltaic cells deposited along an edge of the pane to produce the required electric power necessary to vary the...
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Production of Fullerenes Using Concentrated Solar Flux
Technology Description A method of producing soot containing high amounts of fullerenes comprising: providing a primary concentrator capable of impingement of a concentrated beam of sunlight onto a carbon source to cause vaporization of carbon and subsequent formation of fullerenes, or providing a s...
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Multi-Facet Concentrator of Solar Setup for Irradiating the Objects Placed in a Target Plane with Solar Light
Technology Description According to the proposed invention, this technical result is achieved so that many-facet concentrator of a solar setup for exposure of objects, placed in a target plane, to the action of solar radiation containing a supporting frame and facets differing by that the facets of ...
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Method and Apparatus for Uniformly Concentrating Solar Flux for Photovoltaic Applications
Technology Description A dish reflector and method for concentrating moderate solar flux uniformly on a target plane on a solar cell array, the dish having a stepped reflective surface that is characterized by a plurality of ring-like segments arranged about a common axis, and each segment having a ...
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Hybrid Solar Central Receiver for Combined Cycle Power Plant
Technology Description A hybrid combined cycle power plant including a solar central receiver for receiving solar radiation and converting it to thermal energy. The power plant includes a molten salt heat transfer medium for transferring the thermal energy to an air heater. The air heater uses the t...
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Dish/Stirling Hybrid-Receiver
Description A hybrid high-temperature solar receiver is provided which comprises a solar heat-pipe-receiver including a front dome having a solar absorber surface for receiving concentrated solar energy, a heat pipe wick, a rear dome, a sidewall joining the front and the rear dome, and a vapor and a...
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Combustion System for Hybrid Solar Fossil Fuel Receiver
Technology Description A combustion system for a hybrid solar receiver comprises a pre-mixer which combines air and fuel to form an air-fuel mixture. The mixture is introduced tangentially into a cooling jacket. A burner plenum is fluidically connected to the cooling jacket such that the burner plen...
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Variable Temperature Semiconductor Film Deposition
U.S. Patent 5,712,187
Technology Description A method of depositing a semiconductor material on a substrate. The method sequentially comprises (a) providing the semiconductor material in a depositable state such as a vapor for deposition on the substrate; (b) depositing the semiconductor materi...
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Use of Separate ZnTe Interface Layers to Form OHMIC Contacts to p-CdTe Films
U.S. Patent 5,909,632
Technology Description A method of improving electrical contact to a thin film of a p-type tellurium-containing II-VI semiconductor comprising:depositing a first undoped layer of ZnTe on a thin film of p-type tellurium containing II-VI semiconductor with material propertie...
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Ultra-Accelerated Natural Sunlight Exposure Testing Facilities
U.S. Patent 6,820,509
Technology Description A multi-faceted concentrator apparatus for providing ultra-accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing for sample materials under controlled weathering conditions comprising: facets that receive incident natural sunlight, transmits VIS/NIR and refl...
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Two Chamber Reaction Furnace
U.S. Patent 5,747,099
Technology Description A vertical two chamber reaction furnace. The furnace comprises a lower chamber having an independently operable first heating means for heating the lower chamber and a gas inlet means for admitting a gas to create an ambient atmosphere, and an upper ...
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Tunnel-Junction Multiple Wavelength Light-Emitting Diodes
U.S. Patent 5,166,761
Technology Description A multiple wavelength LED having a monolithic cascade cell structure comprising at least two p-n junctions, wherein each of said at least two p-n junctions have substantially different band gaps, and electrical connector means by which said at least ...
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Tunable Circuit for Tunable Capacitor Devices
U.S. Patent 7,109,818
Technology Description A tunable circuit (10) for a capacitively tunable capacitor device (12) is provided. The tunable circuit (10) comprises a tunable circuit element (14) and a non-tunable dielectric element (16) coupled to the tunable circuit element (16). A tunable ca...
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Thin-Film Solar Cell Fabricated on a Flexible Metallic Substrate
U.S. Patent 7,053,294
Technology Description A thin-film solar cell (10) is provided. The thin-film solar cell (10) comprises a flexible metallic substrate (12) having a first surface and a second surface. A back metal contact layer (16) is deposited on the first surface of the flexible metalli...
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Thin Transparent Conducting Films of Cadmium Stannate
U.S. Patent 6,221,495
Technology Description A process for preparing thin Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 films. The process comprises the steps of RF sputter coating a Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 layer onto a first substrate; coating a second substrate with a CdS layer; contacting the Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 layer with ...
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System for Monitoring the Growth of Crystalline Films on Stationary Substrates
U.S. Patent 5,588,995
Technology Description A system for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary or rotating substrates includes a combination of some or all of the elements including a photodiode sensor for detecting the intensity of incoming light and converting it to a meas...
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System for Characterizing Semiconductor Materials and Photovoltaic Device
U.S. Patent 5,581,346
Technology Description Apparatus for detecting and mapping defects in the surfaces of polycrystalline material in a manner that distinguishes dislocation pits from grain boundaries includes a first laser of a first wavelength for illuminating a wide spot on the surface of ...
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Substrate for Thin Silicon Solar Cells
U.S. Patent 5,401,331
Technology Description A photovoltaic device for converting solar energy into electrical signals comprises a substrate, a layer of photoconductive semiconductor material grown on said substrate, wherein the substrate comprises an alloy of boron and silicon, the boron being...
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Substrate for Thin Silicon Solar Cells
U.S. Patent 5,785,769
Technology Description A substrate for a photovoltaic device wherein the substrate is the base upon which photosensitive material is to be grown and the substrate comprises an alloy having boron in a range from 0.1 atomic % of the alloy to 1.3 atomic % of the alloy and the...
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Substrate Structures for InP-Based Devices
U.S. Patent 4,963,949
Technology Description A substrate structure for an InP-based semiconductor device having an InP based film is disclosed. The substrate structure includes a substrate region having a lightweight bulk substrate and an upper GaAs layer. An interconnecting region is disposed ...
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Stand-Alone Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Electrochromic Window
Technology Description A variable transmittance double pane window includes an electrochromic material that has been deposited on one pane of the window in conjunction with an array of photovoltaic cells deposited along an edge of the pane to produce the required electric power necessary to vary the...
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Stacked Switchable Element and Diode Combination
U.S. Patent 7,067,850
Technology Description A device (10) comprises a semiconductor diode (12) and a switchable element (14) positioned in stacked adjacent relationship so that the semiconductor diode (12) and the switchable element (14) are electrically connected in series with one another. T...
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Solution Synthesis of Mixed-Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticles and Spray Deposition of Precursor Films
U.S. Patent 6,126,740
Technology Description A colloidal suspension comprising metal chalcogenide nanoparticles and a volatile capping agent. The colloidal suspension is made by reacting a metal salt with a chalcogenide salt in an organic solvent to precipitate a metal chalcogenide, recovering ...
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Solar-Thermal Fluid-Wall Reaction Processing
U.S. Patent 7,033,570
Technology Description The present invention provides a method for carrying out high temperature thermal dissociation reactions requiring rapid-heating and short residence times using solar energy. In particular, the present invention provides a method for carrying out hig...
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Single-Junction Solar Cells with the Optium Band Gap for Terrestrial Concentrator Applications
U.S. Patent 5,376,185
Technology Description A single-junction solar cell having the ideal band gap for terrestrial concentrator applications. Computer modeling studies of single-junction solar cells have shown that the presence of absorption bands in the direct spectrum has the effect of "pinn...
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Shallow Melt Apparatus for Semicontinuous Czochralski Crystal Growth
U.S. Patent 6,984,263
Technology Description The present invention relates to growing crystals without encountering the problems normally associated with conventional Czochralski crystal growth of: strong melt convection that causes deteriorated crystal quality, constantly changing thermal cond...
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Recrystallization Method to Selenization of Thin-Film Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 for Semiconductor Device Applications
U.S. Patent 5,436,204
Technology Description A process for fabricating slightly Cu-poor thin-films of Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 on a substrate for semiconductor device applications includes the steps of forming initially a slightly Cu-rich, phase separated, mixture of Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 :Cu.sub.x Se on ...
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Reactive Codoping of GaAlInP Compound Semiconductors
U.S. Patent 7,329,554
Technology Description A GaAlInP compound semiconductor and a method of producing a GaAlInP compound semiconductor are provided. The apparatus and method comprises a GaAs crystal substrate in a metal organic vapor deposition reactor. Al, Ga, and In vapors are prepared by t...
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Rapid Low-Temperature Epitaxial Growth Using a Hot-Element Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition Process
U.S. Patent 6,251,183
Technology Description The invention provides a process for depositing an epitaxial layer on a crystalline substrate, comprising the steps of providing a chamber having an element capable of heating, introducing the substrate into the chamber, heating the element at a temp...
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Radio Frequency Coupling Apparatus and Method for Measuring Minority Carrier Lifetimes in Semiconductor Materials
U.S. Patent 6,369,603
Technology Description An apparatus for measuring the minority carrier lifetime of a semiconductor sample using radio-frequency coupling. The measuring apparatus includes an antenna that is positioned a coupling distance from a semiconductor sample which is exposed to ligh...
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Production of Films and Powders for Semiconductor Device Applications
U.S. Patent 5,731,031
Technology Description A process for chemical bath deposition of selenide and sulfide salts as films and powders employable as precursors for the fabrication of solar cell devices. The films and powders include (1) Cu.sub.x Se.sub.n, wherein x=1-2 and n=1-3; (2) Cu.sub.x G...
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Production of Films and Powders for Semiconductor Device Applications
U.S. Patent 5,731,031
Technology Description A process for chemical bath deposition of selenide and sulfide salts as films and powders employable as precursors for the fabrication of solar cell devices. The films and powders include (1) Cu.sub.x Se.sub.n, wherein x=1-2 and n=1-3; (2) Cu.sub.x G...
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Processing Approach Towards the Formation of Thin-Film CU(IN,GA)SE2
U.S. Patent 6,518,086
Technology Description A two-stage method of producing thin-films of group IB-IIIA-VIA on a substrate for semiconductor device applications includes a first stage of depositing an amorphous group IB-IIIA-VIA precursor onto an unheated substrate, wherein the precursor conta...
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Process for Producing Cadmium Sulfide on a Cadmium Telluride Surface
U.S. Patent 5,541,118
Technology Description A process for producing a layer of cadmium sulfide on a cadmium telluride surface to be employed in a photovoltaic device. The process comprises providing a cadmium telluride surface which is exposed to a hydrogen sulfide plasma at an exposure flow r...
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Process for Fabricating Polycrystalline Semiconductor Thin-Film Solar Cells, and Cells Produced Thereby
U.S. Patent 6,137,048
Technology Description A novel, simplified method for fabricating a thin-film semiconductor heterojunction photovoltaic device includes initial steps of depositing a layer of cadmium stannate and a layer of zinc stannate on a transparent substrate, both by radio frequency ...
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Preparation of a Semiconductor Thin Film
U.S. Patent 5,711,803
Technology Description A process for the preparation of a semiconductor film. The process comprises depositing nanoparticles of a semiconductor material onto a substrate whose surface temperature during nanoparticle deposition thereon is sufficient to cause substantially s...
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Preparation of Transparent Conductors, Ferroelectric Memory Materials and Ferrites
U.S. Patent 5,785,837
Technology Description A process for the preparation by electrodeposition of metal oxide film and powder compounds for ferroelectric memory materials and ferrites wherein the metal oxide includes a plurality of metals. The process comprises providing an electrodeposition b...
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Preparation of CuInSe.sub.2 Precursors Films and Powders by Electroless Deposition
U.S. Patent 5,976,614
Technology Description A method for electroless deposition of Cu.sub.x In.sub.y Ga.sub.z Se.sub.n (x=0-2, y=0-2, z=0-2, n=0-3) precursor films and powders onto a metallic substrate comprising:preparing an aqueous bath solution of compounds selected from the group consistin...
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Plasma and Reactive Ion Etchning to Prepare OHMIC Contacts
U.S. Patent 6,458,254
Technology Description A method of making a low-resistance electrical contact between a metal and a layer of p-type CdTe surface by plasma etching and reactive ion etching comprising:a) placing a CdS/CdTe layer into a chamber and evacuating said chamber;b) backfilling the ...
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Photovoltaic Devices Comprising Zinc Stannate Buffer Layer and Method for Making
U.S. Patent 6,169,246
Technology Description A photovoltaic device has a buffer layer zinc stannate Zn.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 disposed between the semiconductor junction structure and the transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer to prevent formation of localized junctions with the TCO through a thin w...
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Photovoltaic Devices Comprising Cadmium Stannate Transparent Conducting Films and Method for Making
U.S. Patent 5,922,142
Technology Description A photovoltaic device having a substrate, a layer of Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 disposed on said substrate as a front contact, a thin film comprising two or more layers of semiconductor materials disposed on said layer of Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4, and an electrica...
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Passivating Etchants for Metallic Particles
U.S. Patent 6,436,305
Technology Description The present invention provides a process for etching a corrosion layer, such as oxide or hydroxide, from and concomitantly forming a passivating layer on the surface of metallic nanoparticles. A reaction mixture is prepared by dispersing sodium hexaf...
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Optical System for Determining Physical Characteristics of a Solar Cell
Technology Description The invention provides an improved optical system for determining the physical characteristics of a solar cell. The system comprises a lamp means for projecting light in a wide solid-angle onto the surface of the cell; a chamber for receiving the light through an entrance port...
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Optical Processing Furnace with Quartz Muffle and Diffuser Plate
U.S. Patent 5,452,396
Technology Description An optical furnace for annealing a process wafer comprising a source of optical energy, a quartz muffle having a door to hold the wafer for processing, and a quartz diffuser plate to diffuse the light impinging on the quartz muffle; a feedback system...
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Optical Processing Furnace with Quartz Muffle and Diffuser Plate
U.S. Patent 5,577,157
Technology Description An optical furnace for annealing a process wafer comprising a source of optical energy, a quartz muffle having a door to hold the wafer for processing, and a quartz diffuser plate to diffuse the light impinging on the quartz muffle; a feedback system...
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Optical Method for Determining the Doping Depth Profile in Silicon
U.S. Patent 7,179,665
Technology Description A method of processing a sample, comprising the steps of: introducing dopant into a sample thereby producing a doped sample; producing a healed sampled including a doping density profile in response to introducing the dopant into the sample; and meas...
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Nanostructures Produced by Phase-Separation during Growth of (III-V).sub.1-x(IV.sub.2).sub.x Alloys
U.S. Patent 7,229,498
Technology Description Nanostructures (18) and methods for production thereof by phase separation during metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE). An embodiment of one of the methods may comprise providing a growth surface in a reaction chamber and introducing a first mix...
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Multi-junction solar cell device
Trademark 7,309,832
Technology Description A multi-junction solar cell device (10) is provided. The multi-junction solar cell device (10) comprises either two or three active solar cells connected in series in a monolithic structure. The multi-junction device (10) comprises a bottom active cell...
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Multi-Junction, Monolithic Solar Cell Using Low-Band-Gap Materials Lattice-Matched to GaAs or Ge
U.S. Patent 6,281,426
Technology Description A multi-junction, monolithic, photovoltaic solar cell device is provided for converting solar radiation to photocurrent and photovoltage with improved efficiency. The solar cell device comprises a plurality of semiconductor cells, i.e., active p/n ju...
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Monolithic Tandem Solar Cells
U.S. Patent 5,019,177
Technology Description A single-crystal, monolithic, tandem, photovoltaic solar cell is described which includes (a) an InP substrate having upper and lower surfaces, (b) a first photoactive subcell on the upper surface of the InP substrate, and (c) a second photoactive su...
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Monolithic Tandem Solar Cell
U.S. Patent 5,322,572
Technology Description A single-crystal, monolithic, tandem, photovoltaic solar cell is described which includes (a) an InP substrate having upper and lower surfaces, (b) a first photoactive subcell on the upper surface of the InP substrate, (c) a second photoactive subcel...
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Monolithic Multi-Color Light Emission/Detection Device
U.S. Patent 5,391,896
Technology Description A single-crystal, monolithic, tandem, multi-color optical transceiver device is described, including (a) an InP substrate having upper and lower surfaces, (b) a first junction on the upper surface of the InP substrate, (c) a second junction on the fi...
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Molecular Assemblies as Protective Barriers and Adhesion Promotion Interlayer
U.S. Patent 5,487,792
Technology Description A protective diffusion barrier having adhesive qualifies for metalized surfaces is provided by a passivating agent having the formula HS--(CH.sub.2).sub.11 --COOH Which forms a very dense, transparent organized molecular assembly or layer that is imp...
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Method of Preparing Nitrogen Containing Semiconductor Material
U.S. Patent 6,787,385
Technology Description A method of combining group III elements with group V elements that incorporates at least nitrogen from a nitrogen halide for use in semiconductors and in particular semiconductors in photovoltaic cells.
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Method of Fabricating High-Efficiency Cu(In, Ga)Se.sub.2 Thin Films for Solar Cells
U.S. Patent 5,441,897
Technology Description A process for producing a slightly Cu-poor thin film of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S).sub.2 comprises depositing a first layer of (In,Ga).sub.x (Se,S).sub.y followed by depositing just enough Cu+(Se,S) or Cu.sub.x (Se,S) to produce the desired slightly Cu-poor mat...
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Method for Processing Silicon Solar Cells
U.S. Patent 5,627,081
Technology Description The instant invention teaches a novel method for fabricating silicon solar cells utilizing concentrated solar radiation. The solar radiation is concentrated by use of a solar furnace which is used to form a front surface junction and back-surface fie...
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Method for Preparing Homogeneous Single Crystal Ternary III-V Alloys
U.S. Patent 5,047,112
Technology Description A method for producing homogeneous, single-crystal III-V ternary alloys of high crystal perfection using a floating crucible system in which the outer crucible holds a ternary alloy of the composition desired to be produced in the crystal and an inne...
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Method for Improving the Stability of Amorphous Silicon
U.S. Patent 6,713,400
Technology Description A method of producing a metastable degradation resistant amorphous hydrogenated silicon film is provided, which comprises the steps of growing a hydrogenated amorphous silicon film, the film having an exposed surface, illuminating the surface using a...
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Method and apparatus for forming conformal SiN.sub.x films
U.S. Patent 7,300,890
Technology Description A silicon nitride film formation method includes: heating a substrate to be subjected to film formation to a substrate temperature; heating a wire to a wire temperature; supplying silane, ammonia, and hydrogen gases to the heating member; and forming...
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Method and Apparatus for Simulating Atmospheric Absorption of Solar Energy Due to Water Vapor and CO.sub.2
U.S. Patent 5,426,569
Technology Description A method and apparatus for improving the accuracy of the simulation of sunlight reaching the earth's surface includes a relatively small heated chamber having an optical inlet and an optical outlet, the chamber having a cavity that can be filled with...
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Method and Apparatus for Measuring Spatial Uniformity of Radiation
U.S. Patent 6,441,896
Technology Description A method and apparatus for measuring the spatial uniformity of the intensity of a radiation beam from a radiation source based on a single sampling time and/or a single pulse of radiation. The measuring apparatus includes a plurality of radiation det...
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Method and Apparatus for Forming High-Critical-Temperatures Superconducting Layers on Flat and/or Elongated Substrates
U.S. Patent 5,304,534
Technology Description An elongated, flexible superconductive wire or strip is fabricated by pulling it through and out of a melt of metal oxide material at a rate conducive to forming a crystalline coating of superconductive metal oxide material on an elongated, flexible ...
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Method and Apparatus for Fabricating a Thin-Film Solar Cell Utilizing a Hot Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition Technique
U.S. Patent 7,122,736
Technology Description A thin-film solar cell is provided. The thin-film solar cell comprises an a-SiGe:H (1.6 eV) n-i-p solar cell having a deposition rate of at least ten (10) .ANG./second for the a-SiGe:H intrinsic layer by hot wire chemical vapor deposition. A method f...
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Method and Apparatus for Differential Spectroscopic Atomic Imaging Using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Technology Description A Method and apparatus for differential spectroscopic atomic-imaging is disclosed for spatial resolution and imaging for display not only individual atoms on a sample surface, but also bonding and the specific atomic species in such bond. The apparatus includes a scanning tunn...
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Metal processing for impurity gettering in silicon
U.S. Patent 6,852,371
Technology Description A method is provided for gettering impurities from silicon wafers and devices to improve the quality of the material and the device performance. The wafer or the device is coated on the back-side with a layer of aluminum and is illuminated form the o...
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Isoelectronic Co-doping
U.S. Patent 6,815,736
Technology Description Isoelectronic co-doping of semiconductor compounds and alloys with deep acceptors and deep donors is used to decrease bandgap, to increase concentration of the dopant constituents in the resulting alloys, and to increase carrier mobilities lifetimes....
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Ion-Beam Treatment to Prepare Surfaces of p-CdTe Films
U.S. Patent 6,281,035
Technology Description A method of making a low-resistance electrical contact between a p-CdTe layer and outer contact layers by ion beam processing comprising:a) placing a CdS/CdTe device into a chamber and evacuating the chamber;b) orienting the p-CdTe side of the CdS/Cd...
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Interdigitalized Photovoltaic Power Conversion Device
Technology Description A photovoltaic power conversion device has a top surface adapted to receive impinging radiation. The device includes at least two adjacent, serially connected cells. Each cell includes a semi-insulating substrate and a lateral conductivity layer of a first doped electrical con...
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Impurity Gettering in Semiconductors
U.S. Patent 5,426,061
Technology Description A process for impurity gettering in a semiconductor substrate or device such as a silicon substrate or device. The process comprises hydrogenating the substrate or device at the back side thereof with sufficient intensity and for a time period suffic...
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High Efficiency, Low Cost, Thin Film Silicon Solar Cell Design and Method for Making
U.S. Patent 6,201,261
Technology Description A semiconductor device having a substrate, a conductive intermediate layer deposited onto said substrate, wherein the intermediate layer serves as a back electrode, an optical reflector, and an interface for impurity gettering, and a semiconductor la...
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High Efficiency Low Cost Thin Film Silicon Solar Cell Design and Method for Making
U.S. Patent 5,897,331
Technology Description A semiconductor device having a substrate, a conductive intermediate layer deposited onto said substrate, wherein the intermediate layer serves as a back electrode, an optical reflector, and an interface for impurity gettering, and a semiconductor la...
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High Carrier Concentration P-Type Transparent Conducting Oxide Films
U.S. Patent 6,908,782
Technology Description A p-type transparent conducting oxide film is provided which is consisting essentially of, the transparent conducting oxide and a molecular doping source, the oxide and doping source grown under conditions sufficient to deliver the doping source inta...
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Heterojunction Solar Cell with Passivated Emitter Surface
U.S. Patent 5,316,593
Technology Description A high-efficiency heterojunction solar cell wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga.sub.0.52 In.sub.0.48 P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. A passivating window layer of defined composition is disposed over the emitter layer. T...
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Heterojunction Solar Cell
U.S. Patent 5,342,453
Technology Description A high-efficiency single heterojunction solar cell wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga.sub.0.52 In.sub.0.48 P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. The conversion effiency of the solar cell is at least 25.7%. The solar cell pref...
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Fabrication of Optically Reflecting Ohmic Contacts for Semiconductor Devices
U.S. Patent 5,429,985
Technology Description A method is provided to produce a low-resistivity ohmic contact having high optical reflectivity on one side of a semiconductor device. The contact is formed by coating the semiconductor substrate with a thin metal film on the back reflecting side an...
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Enhanced Quality Thin Film Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 for Semiconductor Device Applications by Vapor-Phase Recrystallization
U.S. Patent 5,356,839
Technology Description Enhanced quality thin films of Cu.sub.w (In,Ga.sub.y)Se.sub.z for semiconductor device applications are fabricated by initially forming a Cu-rich, phase-separated compound mixture comprising Cu(In,Ga):Cu.sub.x Se on a substrate to form a large-grain ...
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Electrochromic-Photovoltaic Film for Light-Sensitive Control of Optical Transmittance
U.S. Patent 5,377,037
Technology Description A variable transmittance optical component includes an electrochromic material and a photovoltaic device-type thin film solar cell deposited in a tandem type, monolithic single coating over the component. A bleed resistor of a predetermined value is ...
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Electrochromic Projection and Writing Device
U.S. Patent 6,441,942
Technology Description A display and projection apparatus includes an electrochromic material and a photoconductive material deposited in tandem used in conjunction with a light filtering means for filtering light transmitted through the electrochromic material. When an el...
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Electrochromic Counter Electrode
U.S. Patent 6,859,297
Technology Description The present invention discloses an amorphous material comprising nickel oxide doped with tantalum that is an anodically coloring electrochromic material. The material of the present invention is prepared in the form of an electrode (200) having a thi...
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Electro-deposition of Superconductor Oxide Films
U.S. Patent 6,332,967
Technology Description Methods for preparing high quality superconducting oxide precursors which are well suited for further oxidation and annealing to form superconducting oxide films. The method comprises forming a multilayered superconducting precursor on a substrate by...
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Electrical Isolation of Component Cells in Monolithically Interconnected Modules
U.S. Patent 6,239,354
Technology Description A monolithically interconnected photovoltaic module having cells which are electrically connected which comprises a substrate, a plurality of cells formed over the substrate, each cell including a primary absorber layer having a light receiving surfa...
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Durable Metallized Polymer Mirror
U.S. Patent 5,361,172
Technology Description A metallized polymer mirror construction having improved durability against delamination and tunneling, comprising: an outer layer of polymeric material; a metal oxide layer underlying the outer layer of polymeric material; a silver reflective layer ...
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Durable Corrosion and Ultraviolet-Resistant Silver Mirror
U.S. Patent 6,989,924
Technology Description This invention relates to specular silver mirrors. More particularly, it relates to a durable corrosion and ultraviolet-resistant silver mirror for use in solar reflectors. Specifically, a corrosion and ultra violet-resistant silver mirror for use in...
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Dry Texturing of Solar Cells
U.S. Patent 5,358,574
Technology Description A textured backside of a semiconductor device for increasing light scattering and absorption in a semiconductor substrate is accomplished by applying infrared radiation to the front side of a semiconductor substrate that has a metal layer deposited o...
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Deposition of Device Quality, Low Hydrogen Content, Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon at High Deposition Rates with Increased Stability Using the Hot Wire Filament Technique
U.S. Patent 6,124,186
Technology Description A method or producing hydrogenated amorphous silicon on a substrate, comprising the steps of: positioning the substrate in a deposition chamber at a distance of about 0.5 to 3.0 cm from a heatable filament in the deposition chamber; maintaining a pre...
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Deposition of Device Quality, Low Hydrogen Content, Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon at High Deposition Rates
U.S. Patent 6,468,885
Technology Description A method of fabricating device quality, thin-film a-Si:H for use as semiconductor material in photovoltaic and other devices, comprising in any order; positioning a substrate in a vacuum chamber adjacent a plurality of heatable filaments with a spaci...
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Deposition of Device Quality Low H Content, Amorphous Silicon Films
U.S. Patent 5,397,737
Technology Description A high quality, low hydrogen content, hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) film is deposited by passing a stream of silane gas (SiH.sub.4) over a high temperature, 2000.degree. C., tungsten (W) filament in the proximity of a high temperature, 400....
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Deposition of Device Quality Low H Content, Amorphous Silicon Films
U.S. Patent 5,397,737
Technology Description A high quality, low hydrogen content, hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) film is deposited by passing a stream of silane gas (SiH.sub.4) over a high temperature, 2000.degree. C., tungsten (W) filament in the proximity of a high temperature, 400....
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Defect Mapping System
U.S. Patent 5,406,367
Technology Description Apparatus for detecting and mapping defects in the surfaces of polycrystalline materials in a manner that distinguishes dislocation pits from grain boundaries includes a laser for illuminating a wide spot on the surface of the material, a light integ...
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Current-Matched High-Efficiency, Multijunction Monolithic Solar Cells
U.S. Patent 5,223,043
Technology Description The efficiency of a two-junction (cascade) tandem photovoltaic device is improved by adjusting (decreasing) the top cell thickness to achieve current matching. An example of the invention was fabricated out of Ga.sub.0.52 In.sub.0.48 P and GaAs. Addi...
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Current- and Lattice-Matched Tandem Solar Cell
U.S. Patent 4,667,059
Technology Description A multijunction (cascade) tandem photovoltaic solar cell device is fabricated of a Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x P (0.505.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.0.515) top cell semiconductor lattice matched to a GaAs bottom cell semiconductor at a low-resistance heterojunction, pref...
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Crystallization from High-Temperature Solutions of Si in Copper
U.S. Patent 5,314,571
Technology Description A liquid phase epitaxy method for forming thin crystalline layers of device quality silicon having less than 5X10.sup.16 Cu atoms/cc impurity, comprising: preparing a saturated liquid solution melt of Si in Cu at about 16% to about 90% wt. Si at a te...
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Crystallization from High Temperture Solutions of Si in Cu/Al Solvent
U.S. Patent 5,544,616
Technology Description A liquid phase epitaxy method for forming thin crystalline layers of device quality silicon having less than 3.times.10.sup.16 Cu atoms/cc impurity, comprising: preparing a saturated liquid solution of Si in a Cu/Al solvent at about 20 to about 40 at...
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Controlled Metal-Semiconductor Sintering/Alloying by One-directional Reverse Illumination
U.S. Patent 5,223,453
Technology Description Metal strips deposited on a top surface of a semiconductor substrate are sintered at one temperature simultaneously with alloying a metal layer on the bottom surface at a second, higher temperature. This simultaneous sintering of metal strips and all...
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Composition and Method for Encapsulating Photovoltaic Devices
U.S. Patent 6,093,757
Technology Description A composition and method for encapsulating a photovoltaic device which minimizes discoloration of the encapsulant. The composition includes an ethylene-vinyl acetate encapsulant, a curing agent, an optional ultraviolet light stabilizer, and/or an opt...
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Cadmium-Free Junction Fabrication Process for CuInSe2 Thin Film Solar Cells
U.S. Patent 5,948,176
Technology Description The present invention provides an economical, simple, dry and controllable semiconductor layer junction forming process to make cadmium free high efficiency photovoltaic cells having a first layer comprised primarily of copper indium diselenide havin...
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Atmospheric Optical Calibration System (AOCS)
U.S. Patent 4,779,980
Technology Description An atmospheric optical calibration system is provided to compare actual atmospheric optical conditions to standard atmospheric optical conditions on the basis of aerosol optical depth, relative air mass, and diffuse horizontal skylight to global hori...
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Application of Optical Processing for Growth of Silicon Dioxide
U.S. Patent 5,639,520
Technology Description A process for producing a silicon dioxide film on a surface of a silicon substrate. The process comprises illuminating a silicon substrate in a substantially pure oxygen atmosphere with a broad spectrum of visible and infrared light at an optical pow...
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Apparatus for Synthesis of a Solar Spectrum
U.S. Patent 5,217,285
Technology Description A xenon arc lamp and a tungsten filament lamp provide light beams that together contain all the wavelengths required to accurately simulate a solar spectrum. Suitable filter apparatus selectively direct visible and ultraviolet light from the xenon ar...
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Apparatus and Method for Maximizing Power Delivered by a Photovoltaic Array
U.S. Patent 5,747,967
Technology Description A method and apparatus for maximizing the electric power output of a photovoltaic array connected to a battery where the voltage across the photovoltaic array is adjusted through a range of voltages to find the voltage across the photovoltaic array t...
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Apparatus for Measuring Minority Carrier Lifetimes in Semiconductor Materials
Technology Description An apparatus for determining the minority carrier lifetime of a semiconductor sample includes a positioner for moving the sample relative to a coil. The coil is connected to a bridge circuit such that the impedance of one arm of the bridge circuit is varied as sample is positi...
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Apparatus and Method for Measuring the Thickness of a Semiconductor Wafer
U.S. Patent 5,396,332
Technology Description Apparatus for measuring thicknesses of semiconductor wafers, comprising: housing means for supporting a wafer in a light-tight environment; a light source mounted to the housing at one side of the wafer to emit light of a predetermined wavelength to ...
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Apparatus and Method for Measuring Minority Carrier Lifetimes in Semiconductor Materials
U.S. Patent 6,275,060 Technology Description An apparatus for determining the minority carrier lifetime of a semiconductor sample includes a positioner for moving the sample relative to a coil. The coil is connected to a bridge circuit such that the impedance of one arm of the bridge circuit is vari...
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Formation of a Nano-Scale Catalyst Phase in SOFC Anodes via Controlled Precipitation
INVENTION: A new method for introducing Ni or another electrocatalyst phase (e.g. Ru) only in the anode active layer, after high temperature firing. The process provides well dispersed nano-scale catalyst microstructure without additional processing relative to conventional anode-supported SOFC meth...
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Electron-Blocking Layer / Hole-Transport Layer for Organic Photovoltaics
INVENTION: An electron-blocking / hole transport layer has been developed for organic photovoltaics. The overall power conversion efficiency of MDMO-PPV:PCBM and P3HT:PCBM active layer devices exhibited significantly greater open circuit voltage with electron blocking layer incorporation versus cont...
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Mixed-phase nano-structured TiO2 composite photocatalyst for energy and energy efficiency applications
INVENTION: Northwestern scientists chemists have designed, synthesized and tested a highly active mixed-phase nano-structured titanium dioxide (TiO2) composite, which shows significantly enhanced photoactivity
ADVANTAGES: The mixed-phase TiO2 nanocomposite showed higher photoactivity than it...
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Atomic Force Photovoltaic Microscopy (27148)
INVENTOR: Mark Hersam and Benjamin Leever
INVENTION: An atomic force photovoltaic microscope (AFPM) has been developed to characterize spatially localized inhomogeneities in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. A biased conductive atomic force microscopy (cAFM) probe is raster-scanned over an arra...
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Nano-patterning with Nanospheres (28079)
INVENTION: The invention is a low-cost, "maskless" photolithography method to produce highly uniform arrays of nanopillars and nanoholes over a large area. The invention has the following advantages over existing methods by which to form nanoholes and nanopillars:
Single Stage: The process is ma...
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Solar Cells Incorporating Light Harvesting Arrays
A solar cell incorporates a light harvesting array that comprises: (a) a first substrate comprising a first electrode; and (b) a layer of light harvesting rods electrically coupled to the first electrode, each of the light harvesting rods comprising a polymer of Formula I: wherein m is at least 1, a...
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Nanocomposite Photovoltaic Cell
Introduction Photovoltaic cells based on polymer semiconductors are of great interest as a low cost approach to solar energy conversion into electricity. The most efficient polymer solar cells are based on binary blends, in which polymers function as electrondonors and fullerenes as electron-accepto...
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Polymer Solar Cells using Self-Assembled Monolayer modified Zinc Oxide/Metal as Cathodes
Introduction Conjugated polymer-based organic solar cells are considered an essential source of inexpensive renewable energy due to their advantages of being fabricated by low-cost and large-area printing and coating techniques on light-weight flexible substrates. Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cel...
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Advanced Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC): Flexible Film and Glass
Introduction Solar power is becoming more and more important with the increasing global effort to reduce petroleum consumption and is already vitally important as the planet’s primary source of energy since plants convert it into biomass on a daily basis. There is more solar energy bombarding the ea...
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Highly Efficient Fuel Cell
The Invention The new type of fuel cell utilizes a unique nano-porous proton conducting membrane and improved fuel cell components including improved anodic and cathodic catalysts, membrane electrode assembly and bipolar plates with flow fields for both solution and gas. A hydrogen/bromine cell wa...
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Highly Efficient Hybrid Bio-Seminconductor Photovoltaic Device
The Invention A novel device for photovoltaic conversion which consists of an oriented photoactive monolayer bound to a bottom metal electrode and a top transparent electrode. The photoactive components are oriented dry layers of a photosynthetic reaction center protein which were isolated from ...
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Monolithic Multi-Color Light Emission/Detection Device
A single-crystal, monolithic, tandem, multi-color optical transceiver device is described, including (a) an InP substrate having upper and lower surfaces, (b) a first junction on the upper surface of the InP substrate, (c) a second junction on the first junction. The first junction is preferably GaI...
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Monolithic Tandem Solar Cells
A single-crystal, monolithic, tandem, photovoltaic solar cell is described which includes (a) an InP substrate having upper and lower surfaces, (b) a first photoactive subcell on the upper surface of the InP substrate, and (c) a second photoactive subcell on the first subcell. The first photoactive ...
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Multi-Junction, Monolithic Solar Cell Using Low-Band-Gap Materials Lattice-Matched to GaAs or Ge
A multi-junction, monolithic, photovoltaic solar cell device is provided for converting solar radiation to photocurrent and photovoltage with improved efficiency. The solar cell device comprises a plurality of semiconductor cells, i.e., active p/n junctions, connected in tandem and deposited on a su...
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Multi-junction solar cell device
A multi-junction solar cell device (10) is provided. The multi-junction solar cell device (10) comprises either two or three active solar cells connected in series in a monolithic structure. The multi-junction device (10) comprises a bottom active cell (20) having a single-crystal silicon substrate ...
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Nanostructures Produced by Phase-Separation during Growth of (III-V).sub.1-x(IV.sub.2).sub.x Alloys
Nanostructures (18) and methods for production thereof by phase separation during metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE). An embodiment of one of the methods may comprise providing a growth surface in a reaction chamber and introducing a first mixture of precursor materials into the reaction cham...
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Optical Method for Determining the Doping Depth Profile in Silicon U.S. Patent 7,179,665
A method of processing a sample, comprising the steps of: introducing dopant into a sample thereby producing a doped sample; producing a healed sampled including a doping density profile in response to introducing the dopant into the sample; and measuring the doping density profile of the healed sam...
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Optical Processing Furnace with Quartz Muffle and Diffuser Plate
An optical furnace for annealing a process wafer comprising a source of optical energy, a quartz muffle having a door to hold the wafer for processing, and a quartz diffuser plate to diffuse the light impinging on the quartz muffle; a feedback system with a light sensor located in the door or wall o...
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Optical System for Determining Physical Characteristics of a Solar Cell
The invention provides an improved optical system for determining the physical characteristics of a solar cell. The system comprises a lamp means for projecting light in a wide solid-angle onto the surface of the cell; a chamber for receiving the light through an entrance port, the chamber having an...
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Passivating Etchants for Metallic Particles
The present invention provides a process for etching a corrosion layer, such as oxide or hydroxide, from and concomitantly forming a passivating layer on the surface of metallic nanoparticles. A reaction mixture is prepared by dispersing sodium hexafluoroacetylacetonate (Na(hfa)) and a metallic part...
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Photovoltaic Devices Comprising Cadmium Stannate Transparent Conducting Films and Method for Making
A photovoltaic device having a substrate, a layer of Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 disposed on said substrate as a front contact, a thin film comprising two or more layers of semiconductor materials disposed on said layer of Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4, and an electrically conductive film disposed on said thin film of ...
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Photovoltaic Devices Comprising Zinc Stannate Buffer Layer and Method for Making
A photovoltaic device has a buffer layer zinc stannate Zn.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 disposed between the semiconductor junction structure and the transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer to prevent formation of localized junctions with the TCO through a thin window semiconductor layer, to prevent shunting thr...
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Plasma and Reactive Ion Etchning to Prepare OHMIC Contacts
A method of making a low-resistance electrical contact between a metal and a layer of p-type CdTe surface by plasma etching and reactive ion etching comprising:a) placing a CdS/CdTe layer into a chamber and evacuating said chamber;b) backfilling the chamber with Argon or a reactive gas to a pressure...
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Preparation of a Semiconductor Thin Film
A process for the preparation of a semiconductor film. The process comprises depositing nanoparticles of a semiconductor material onto a substrate whose surface temperature during nanoparticle deposition thereon is sufficient to cause substantially simultaneous fusion of the nanoparticles to thereby...
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Preparation of CuInSe.sub.2 Precursors Films and Powders by Electroless Deposition
A method for electroless deposition of Cu.sub.x In.sub.y Ga.sub.z Se.sub.n (x=0-2, y=0-2, z=0-2, n=0-3) precursor films and powders onto a metallic substrate comprising:preparing an aqueous bath solution of compounds selected from the group consisting of:I) a copper compound, a selenium compound, an...
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Preparation of Transparent Conductors, Ferroelectric Memory Materials and Ferrites
A process for the preparation by electrodeposition of metal oxide film and powder compounds for ferroelectric memory materials and ferrites wherein the metal oxide includes a plurality of metals. The process comprises providing an electrodeposition bath, providing soluble salts of the metals to this...
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Process for Fabricating Polycrystalline Semiconductor Thin-Film Solar Cells, and Cells Produced Thereby
A novel, simplified method for fabricating a thin-film semiconductor heterojunction photovoltaic device includes initial steps of depositing a layer of cadmium stannate and a layer of zinc stannate on a transparent substrate, both by radio frequency sputtering at ambient temperature, followed by the...
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Process for Polycrystalline Film Silicon Growth
A process for depositing polycrystalline silicon on substrates, including foreign substrates, occurs in a chamber at about atmospheric pressure, wherein a temperature gradient is formed, and both the atmospheric pressure and the temperature gradient are maintained throughout the process. Formation o...
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Process for Producing Cadmium Sulfide on a Cadmium Telluride Surface
A process for producing a layer of cadmium sulfide on a cadmium telluride surface to be employed in a photovoltaic device. The process comprises providing a cadmium telluride surface which is exposed to a hydrogen sulfide plasma at an exposure flow rate, an exposure time and an exposure temperature ...
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Processing Approach Towards the Formation of Thin-Film CU(IN,GA)SE2
A two-stage method of producing thin-films of group IB-IIIA-VIA on a substrate for semiconductor device applications includes a first stage of depositing an amorphous group IB-IIIA-VIA precursor onto an unheated substrate, wherein the precursor contains all of the group IB and group IIIA constituent...
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Production of Films and Powders for Semiconductor Device Applications
A process for chemical bath deposition of selenide and sulfide salts as films and powders employable as precursors for the fabrication of solar cell devices. The films and powders include (1) Cu.sub.x Se.sub.n, wherein x=1-2 and n=1-3; (2) Cu.sub.x Ga.sub.y Se.sub.n, wherein x=1-2, y=0-1 and n=1-3; ...
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Radio Frequency Coupling Apparatus and Method for Measuring Minority Carrier Lifetimes in Semiconductor Materials
An apparatus for measuring the minority carrier lifetime of a semiconductor sample using radio-frequency coupling. The measuring apparatus includes an antenna that is positioned a coupling distance from a semiconductor sample which is exposed to light pulses from a laser during sampling operations. ...
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Rapid Low-Temperature Epitaxial Growth Using a Hot-Element Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition Process
The invention provides a process for depositing an epitaxial layer on a crystalline substrate, comprising the steps of providing a chamber having an element capable of heating, introducing the substrate into the chamber, heating the element at a temperature sufficient to decompose a source gas, pass...
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Reactive Codoping of GaAlInP Compound Semiconductors
A GaAlInP compound semiconductor and a method of producing a GaAlInP compound semiconductor are provided. The apparatus and method comprises a GaAs crystal substrate in a metal organic vapor deposition reactor. Al, Ga, and In vapors are prepared by thermally decomposing organometallic compounds. P v...
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Recrystallization Method to Selenization of Thin-Film Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 for Semiconductor Device Applications
A process for fabricating slightly Cu-poor thin-films of Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 on a substrate for semiconductor device applications includes the steps of forming initially a slightly Cu-rich, phase separated, mixture of Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 :Cu.sub.x Se on the substrate in solid form followed by exposure o...
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Molecular Assemblies as Protective Barriers and Adhesion Promotion Interlayer
A protective diffusion barrier having adhesive qualifies for metalized surfaces is provided by a passivating agent having the formula HS--(CH.sub.2).sub.11 --COOH Which forms a very dense, transparent organized molecular assembly or layer that is impervious to water, alkali, and other impurities and...
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Method of Preparing Nitrogen Containing Semiconductor Material
A method of combining group III elements with group V elements that incorporates at least nitrogen from a nitrogen halide for use in semiconductors and in particular semiconductors in photovoltaic cells....
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Method of Fabricating High-Efficiency Cu(In, Ga)Se.sub.2 Thin Films for Solar Cells
A process for producing a slightly Cu-poor thin film of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S).sub.2 comprises depositing a first layer of (In,Ga).sub.x (Se,S).sub.y followed by depositing just enough Cu+(Se,S) or Cu.sub.x (Se,S) to produce the desired slightly Cu-poor material. In a variation, most, but not all, (about 9...
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Method for Processing Silicon Solar Cells
The instant invention teaches a novel method for fabricating silicon solar cells utilizing concentrated solar radiation. The solar radiation is concentrated by use of a solar furnace which is used to form a front surface junction and back-surface field in one processing step. The present invention a...
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Method for Preparing Homogeneous Single Crystal Ternary III-V Alloys
A method for producing homogeneous, single-crystal III-V ternary alloys of high crystal perfection using a floating crucible system in which the outer crucible holds a ternary alloy of the composition desired to be produced in the crystal and an inner floating crucible having a narrow, melt-passing ...
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Method for Improving the Stability of Amorphous Silicon
A method of producing a metastable degradation resistant amorphous hydrogenated silicon film is provided, which comprises the steps of growing a hydrogenated amorphous silicon film, the film having an exposed surface, illuminating the surface using an essentially blue or ultraviolet light to form hi...
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Method and Apparatus for Simulating Atmospheric Absorption of Solar Energy Due to Water Vapor and CO.sub.2
A method and apparatus for improving the accuracy of the simulation of sunlight reaching the earth's surface includes a relatively small heated chamber having an optical inlet and an optical outlet, the chamber having a cavity that can be filled with a heated stream of CO.sub.2 and water vapor. A si...
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Method and Apparatus for Measuring Spatial Uniformity of Radiation
A method and apparatus for measuring the spatial uniformity of the intensity of a radiation beam from a radiation source based on a single sampling time and/or a single pulse of radiation. The measuring apparatus includes a plurality of radiation detectors positioned on planar mounting plate to form...
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Method and Apparatus for Forming High-Critical-Temperatures Superconducting Layers on Flat and/or Elongated Substrates
An elongated, flexible superconductive wire or strip is fabricated by pulling it through and out of a melt of metal oxide material at a rate conducive to forming a crystalline coating of superconductive metal oxide material on an elongated, flexible substrate wire or strip. A coating of crystalline ...
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Method and apparatus for forming conformal SiN.sub.x films
A silicon nitride film formation method includes: heating a substrate to be subjected to film formation to a substrate temperature; heating a wire to a wire temperature; supplying silane, ammonia, and hydrogen gases to the heating member; and forming a silicon nitride film on the substrate....
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Method and Apparatus for Fabricating a Thin-Film Solar Cell Utilizing a Hot Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition Technique
A thin-film solar cell is provided. The thin-film solar cell comprises an a-SiGe:H (1.6 eV) n-i-p solar cell having a deposition rate of at least ten (10) .ANG./second for the a-SiGe:H intrinsic layer by hot wire chemical vapor deposition. A method for fabricating a thin film solar cell is also prov...
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Method and Apparatus for Differential Spectroscopic Atomic Imaging Using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
A Method and apparatus for differential spectroscopic atomic-imaging is disclosed for spatial resolution and imaging for display not only individual atoms on a sample surface, but also bonding and the specific atomic species in such bond. The apparatus includes a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) ...
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Metal processing for impurity gettering in silicon
A method is provided for gettering impurities from silicon wafers and devices to improve the quality of the material and the device performance. The wafer or the device is coated on the back-side with a layer of aluminum and is illuminated form the other side with light having a significant portion ...
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Low-Band Gap Double-Heterostructure InAsP/GaInAs Photovoltaic Converters
A low-bandgap, double-heterostructure PV device is provided, including in optical alignment a first InP.sub.1-y As.sub.y n-layer formed with an n-type dopant, an Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x As absorber layer, the absorber layer having an n-region formed with an n-type dopant and an p-region formed with a p-...
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Isoelectronic Co-doping
Isoelectronic co-doping of semiconductor compounds and alloys with deep acceptors and deep donors is used to decrease bandgap, to increase concentration of the dopant constituents in the resulting alloys, and to increase carrier mobilities lifetimes. Group III-V compounds and alloys, such as GaAs an...
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Ion-Beam Treatment to Prepare Surfaces of p-CdTe Films
A method of making a low-resistance electrical contact between a p-CdTe layer and outer contact layers by ion beam processing comprising:a) placing a CdS/CdTe device into a chamber and evacuating the chamber;b) orienting the p-CdTe side of the CdS/CdTe layer so that it faces apparatus capable of gen...
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Shallow Melt Apparatus for Semicontinuous Czochralski Crystal Growth
The present invention relates to growing crystals without encountering the problems normally associated with conventional Czochralski crystal growth of: strong melt convection that causes deteriorated crystal quality, constantly changing thermal conditions; segregation causing non-uniformity in dopa...
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Single-Junction Solar Cells with the Optium Band Gap for Terrestrial Concentrator Applications
A single-junction solar cell having the ideal band gap for terrestrial concentrator applications. Computer modeling studies of single-junction solar cells have shown that the presence of absorption bands in the direct spectrum has the effect of "pinning" the optimum band gap for a wide range of oper...
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Solar-Thermal Fluid-Wall Reaction Processing
The present invention provides a method for carrying out high temperature thermal dissociation reactions requiring rapid-heating and short residence times using solar energy. In particular, the present invention provides a method for carrying out high temperature thermal reactions such as dissociati...
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Solar Thermal Aerosol Flow Reaction Process
Solar Thermal Aerosol Flow Reaction Process...
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Solution Synthesis of Mixed-Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticles and Spray Deposition of Precursor Films
A colloidal suspension comprising metal chalcogenide nanoparticles and a volatile capping agent. The colloidal suspension is made by reacting a metal salt with a chalcogenide salt in an organic solvent to precipitate a metal chalcogenide, recovering the metal chalcogenide, and admixing the metal cha...
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Stacked Switchable Element and Diode Combination
A device (10) comprises a semiconductor diode (12) and a switchable element (14) positioned in stacked adjacent relationship so that the semiconductor diode (12) and the switchable element (14) are electrically connected in series with one another. The switchable element (14) is switchable from a lo...
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Substrate for Thin Silicon Solar Cells
A photovoltaic device for converting solar energy into electrical signals comprises a substrate, a layer of photoconductive semiconductor material grown on said substrate, wherein the substrate comprises an alloy of boron and silicon, the boron being present in a range of from 0.1 to 1.3 atomic perc...
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System for Characterizing Semiconductor Materials and Photovoltaic Device
Apparatus for detecting and mapping defects in the surfaces of polycrystalline material in a manner that distinguishes dislocation pits from grain boundaries includes a first laser of a first wavelength for illuminating a wide spot on the surface of the material, a second laser of a second relativel...
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Substrate Structures for InP-Based Devices
A substrate structure for an InP-based semiconductor device having an InP based film is disclosed. The substrate structure includes a substrate region having a lightweight bulk substrate and an upper GaAs layer. An interconnecting region is disposed between the substrate region and the InP-based dev...
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System for Charactrizing Semiconductor Materials and Photovoltaic Devices Through Calibration
A method and apparatus for measuring characteristics of a piece of material, typically semiconductor materials including photovoltaic devices. The characteristics may include dislocation defect density, grain boundaries, reflectance, external LBIC, internal LBIC, and minority carrier diffusion lengt...
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System for Monitoring the Growth of Crystalline Films on Stationary Substrates
A system for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary or rotating substrates includes a combination of some or all of the elements including a photodiode sensor for detecting the intensity of incoming light and converting it to a measurable current, a lens for focusing the RHEED patt...
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Thin-Film Solar Cell Fabricated on a Flexible Metallic Substrate
A thin-film solar cell (10) is provided. The thin-film solar cell (10) comprises a flexible metallic substrate (12) having a first surface and a second surface. A back metal contact layer (16) is deposited on the first surface of the flexible metallic substrate (12). A semiconductor absorber layer (...
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Interdigitalized Photovoltaic Power Conversion Device
A photovoltaic power conversion device has a top surface adapted to receive impinging radiation. The device includes at least two adjacent, serially connected cells. Each cell includes a semi-insulating substrate and a lateral conductivity layer of a first doped electrical conductivity disposed on t...
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Impurity Gettering in Semiconductors
A process for impurity gettering in a semiconductor substrate or device such as a silicon substrate or device. The process comprises hydrogenating the substrate or device at the back side thereof with sufficient intensity and for a time period sufficient to produce a damaged back side. Thereafter, t...
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High Efficiency Low Cost Thin Film Silicon Solar Cell Design and Method for Making
A semiconductor device having a substrate, a conductive intermediate layer deposited onto said substrate, wherein the intermediate layer serves as a back electrode, an optical reflector, and an interface for impurity gettering, and a semiconductor layer deposited onto said intermediate layer, wherei...
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High Carrier Concentration P-Type Transparent Conducting Oxide Films
A p-type transparent conducting oxide film is provided which is consisting essentially of, the transparent conducting oxide and a molecular doping source, the oxide and doping source grown under conditions sufficient to deliver the doping source intact onto the oxide....
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Heterojunction Solar Cell with Passivated Emitter Surface
A high-efficiency heterojunction solar cell wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga.sub.0.52 In.sub.0.48 P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. A passivating window layer of defined composition is disposed over the emitter layer. The conversion efficiency of the solar cell is at l...
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Heterojunction Solar Cell
A high-efficiency single heterojunction solar cell wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga.sub.0.52 In.sub.0.48 P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. The conversion effiency of the solar cell is at least 25.7%. The solar cell preferably includes a passivating layer between the su...
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Fabrication of Optically Reflecting Ohmic Contacts for Semiconductor Devices
A method is provided to produce a low-resistivity ohmic contact having high optical reflectivity on one side of a semiconductor device. The contact is formed by coating the semiconductor substrate with a thin metal film on the back reflecting side and then optically processing the wafer by illuminat...
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Enhanced Quality Thin Film Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 for Semiconductor Device Applications by Vapor-Phase Recrystallization
Enhanced quality thin films of Cu.sub.w (In,Ga.sub.y)Se.sub.z for semiconductor device applications are fabricated by initially forming a Cu-rich, phase-separated compound mixture comprising Cu(In,Ga):Cu.sub.x Se on a substrate to form a large-grain precursor and then converting the excess Cu.sub.x ...
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Electro-deposition of Superconductor Oxide Films
Methods for preparing high quality superconducting oxide precursors which are well suited for further oxidation and annealing to form superconducting oxide films. The method comprises forming a multilayered superconducting precursor on a substrate by providing an electrodeposition bath comprising an...
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Electrochromic Counter Electrode
The present invention discloses an amorphous material comprising nickel oxide doped with tantalum that is an anodically coloring electrochromic material. The material of the present invention is prepared in the form of an electrode (200) having a thin film (202) of an electrochromic material of the ...
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Electrical Isolation of Component Cells in Monolithically Interconnected Modules
A monolithically interconnected photovoltaic module having cells which are electrically connected which comprises a substrate, a plurality of cells formed over the substrate, each cell including a primary absorber layer having a light receiving surface and a p-region, formed with a p-type dopant, an...
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Durable Metallized Polymer Mirror
A metallized polymer mirror construction having improved durability against delamination and tunneling, comprising: an outer layer of polymeric material; a metal oxide layer underlying the outer layer of polymeric material; a silver reflective layer underneath the metal oxide layer; and a layer of a...
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Durable Corrosion and Ultraviolet-Resistant Silver Mirror
This invention relates to specular silver mirrors. More particularly, it relates to a durable corrosion and ultraviolet-resistant silver mirror for use in solar reflectors. Specifically, a corrosion and ultra violet-resistant silver mirror for use in solar reflectors; the silver layer having a film-...
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Dry Texturing of Solar Cells
A textured backside of a semiconductor device for increasing light scattering and absorption in a semiconductor substrate is accomplished by applying infrared radiation to the front side of a semiconductor substrate that has a metal layer deposited on its backside in a time-energy profile that first...
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Deposition of Device Quality, Low Hydrogen Content, Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon at High Deposition Rates with Increased Stability Using the Hot Wire Filament Technique
A method or producing hydrogenated amorphous silicon on a substrate, comprising the steps of: positioning the substrate in a deposition chamber at a distance of about 0.5 to 3.0 cm from a heatable filament in the deposition chamber; maintaining a pressure in said deposition chamber in the range of a...
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Deposition of Device Quality, Low Hydrogen Content, Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon at High Deposition Rates
A method of fabricating device quality, thin-film a-Si:H for use as semiconductor material in photovoltaic and other devices, comprising in any order; positioning a substrate in a vacuum chamber adjacent a plurality of heatable filaments with a spacing distance L between the substrate and the filame...
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Deposition of Device Quality, Low Hydrogen Content, Amorphous Silicon Films by Hot Filament Technique Using (SAFE) Silicon Source Gas
A method of producing hydrogenated amorphous silicon on a substrate by flowing a stream of safe (diluted to less than 1%) silane gas past a heated filament....
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Deposition of Device Quality Low H Content, Amorphous Silicon Films
A high quality, low hydrogen content, hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) film is deposited by passing a stream of silane gas (SiH.sub.4) over a high temperature, 2000.degree. C., tungsten (W) filament in the proximity of a high temperature, 400.degree. C., substrate within a low pressure, 8 mTo...
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Defect Mapping System
Apparatus for detecting and mapping defects in the surfaces of polycrystalline materials in a manner that distinguishes dislocation pits from grain boundaries includes a laser for illuminating a wide spot on the surface of the material, a light integrating sphere with apertures for capturing light s...
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Current-Matched High-Efficiency, Multijunction Monolithic Solar Cells
The efficiency of a two-junction (cascade) tandem photovoltaic device is improved by adjusting (decreasing) the top cell thickness to achieve current matching. An example of the invention was fabricated out of Ga.sub.0.52 In.sub.0.48 P and GaAs. Additional lattice-matched systems to which the invent...
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Current- and Lattice-Matched Tandem Solar Cell
A multijunction (cascade) tandem photovoltaic solar cell device is fabricated of a Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x P (0.505.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.0.515) top cell semiconductor lattice matched to a GaAs bottom cell semiconductor at a low-resistance heterojunction, preferably a p+/n+ heterojunction between the cells. T...
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Crystallization from High Temperture Solutions of Si in Cu/Al Solvent
A liquid phase epitaxy method for forming thin crystalline layers of device quality silicon having less than 3.times.10.sup.16 Cu atoms/cc impurity, comprising: preparing a saturated liquid solution of Si in a Cu/Al solvent at about 20 to about 40 at. % Si at a temperature range of about 850.degree....
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Crystallization from High-Temperature Solutions of Si in Copper
A liquid phase epitaxy method for forming thin crystalline layers of device quality silicon having less than 5X10.sup.16 Cu atoms/cc impurity, comprising: preparing a saturated liquid solution melt of Si in Cu at about 16% to about 90% wt. Si at a temperature range of about 800.degree. C. to about 1...
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Controlled Metal-Semiconductor Sintering/Alloying by One-directional Reverse Illumination
Metal strips deposited on a top surface of a semiconductor substrate are sintered at one temperature simultaneously with alloying a metal layer on the bottom surface at a second, higher temperature. This simultaneous sintering of metal strips and alloying a metal layer on opposite surfaces of the su...
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Thin Transparent Conducting Films of Cadmium Stannate
A process for preparing thin Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 films. The process comprises the steps of RF sputter coating a Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 layer onto a first substrate; coating a second substrate with a CdS layer; contacting the Cd.sub.2 SnO.sub.4 layer with the CdS layer in a water- and oxygen-free environm...
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Tunable Circuit for Tunable Capacitor Devices
A tunable circuit (10) for a capacitively tunable capacitor device (12) is provided. The tunable circuit (10) comprises a tunable circuit element (14) and a non-tunable dielectric element (16) coupled to the tunable circuit element (16). A tunable capacitor device (12) and a method for increasing th...
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Tunnel-Junction Multiple Wavelength Light-Emitting Diodes
A multiple wavelength LED having a monolithic cascade cell structure comprising at least two p-n junctions, wherein each of said at least two p-n junctions have substantially different band gaps, and electrical connector means by which said at least two p-n junctions may be collectively energized; a...
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Two Chamber Reaction Furnace
A vertical two chamber reaction furnace. The furnace comprises a lower chamber having an independently operable first heating means for heating the lower chamber and a gas inlet means for admitting a gas to create an ambient atmosphere, and an upper chamber disposed above the lower chamber and havin...
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Ultra-Accelerated Natural Sunlight Exposure Testing Facilities
A multi-faceted concentrator apparatus for providing ultra-accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing for sample materials under controlled weathering conditions comprising: facets that receive incident natural sunlight, transmits VIS/NIR and reflects UV/VIS onto a secondary reflector that delive...
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Use of Separate ZnTe Interface Layers to Form OHMIC Contacts to p-CdTe Films
A method of improving electrical contact to a thin film of a p-type tellurium-containing II-VI semiconductor comprising:depositing a first undoped layer of ZnTe on a thin film of p-type tellurium containing II-VI semiconductor with material properties selected to limit the formation of potential bar...
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Variable Temperature Semiconductor Film Deposition
A method of depositing a semiconductor material on a substrate. The method sequentially comprises (a) providing the semiconductor material in a depositable state such as a vapor for deposition on the substrate; (b) depositing the semiconductor material on the substrate while heating the substrate to...
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Vertical Two Chamber Reaction Furnace
A vertical two chamber reaction furnace. The furnace comprises a lower chamber having an independently operable first heating means for heating the lower chamber and a gas inlet means for admitting a gas to create an ambient atmosphere, and an upper chamber disposed above the lower chamber and havin...
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Voltage-Matched, Monolithic, Multi-Band-Gap Devices
Monolithic, tandem, photonic cells include at least a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer, wherein each semiconductor layer includes an n-type region, a p-type region, and a given band-gap energy. Formed within each semiconductor layer is a sting of electrically connected phot...
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Wafer Characteristics via Reflectometry and Wafer Processing Apparatus and Method
This system includes a measuring device to acquire non-contact thickness measurements of a wafer and a laser beam to cut the wafer at a rate based at least in part on one or more thicknesses measurements. The method includes illuminating a substrate with radiation, measuring at least some radiation ...
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ZnO/Cu(InGa)Se, Solar Cells Prepared by Vapor Phase Zn Doping
A process for making a thin film ZnO/Cu(InGa)Se.sub.2 solar cell without depositing a buffer layer and by Zn doping from a vapor phase, comprising: depositing Cu(InGa)Se.sub.2 layer on a metal back contact deposited on a glass substrate; heating the Cu(InGa)Se.sub.2 layer on the metal back contact o...
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Air-stable Nanomaterials for Efficient OLEDs and Solar Cells
Berkeley Lab researchers have developed two approaches for increasing the charge efficiencies of electrodes used to produce flexible organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and solar cells. Both approaches will reduce manufacturing and packaging costs. ________________________________________________...
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Low Cost, High Efficiency Tandem Silicon Solar Cells
APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:
Berkeley Lab's solar cell design incorporating the low-resistance tunnel junction. The tunnel junction is between the middle two materials.
Inexpensive tandem silicon solar cells
ADVANTAGES:
- Boosts silicon solar cell efficiency without significant cost increase...
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Composition and Method for Encapsulating Photovoltaic Devices
A composition and method for encapsulating a photovoltaic device which minimizes discoloration of the encapsulant. The composition includes an ethylene-vinyl acetate encapsulant, a curing agent, an optional ultraviolet light stabilizer, and/or an optional antioxidant. The curing agent is preferably ...
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Cadmium-Free Junction Fabrication Process for CuInSe2 Thin Film Solar Cells
The present invention provides an economical, simple, dry and controllable semiconductor layer junction forming process to make cadmium free high efficiency photovoltaic cells having a first layer comprised primarily of copper indium diselenide having a thin doped copper indium diselenide n-type reg...
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Back-side Hydrogenation Technique for Defect Passivation in Silicon Solar Cells
A two-step back-side hydrogenation process includes the steps of first bombarding the back side of the silicon substrate with hydrogen ions with intensities and for a time sufficient to implant enough hydrogen atoms into the silicon substrate to potentially passivate substantially all of the defects...
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Atmospheric Optical Calibration System (AOCS)
An atmospheric optical calibration system is provided to compare actual atmospheric optical conditions to standard atmospheric optical conditions on the basis of aerosol optical depth, relative air mass, and diffuse horizontal skylight to global horizontal photon flux ratio. An indicator can show th...
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Application of Optical Processing for Growth of Silicon Dioxide
A process for producing a silicon dioxide film on a surface of a silicon substrate. The process comprises illuminating a silicon substrate in a substantially pure oxygen atmosphere with a broad spectrum of visible and infrared light at an optical power density of from about 3 watts/cm.sup.2 to about...
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Apparatus for Synthesis of a Solar Spectrum
A xenon arc lamp and a tungsten filament lamp provide light beams that together contain all the wavelengths required to accurately simulate a solar spectrum. Suitable filter apparatus selectively direct visible and ultraviolet light from the xenon arc lamp into two legs of a trifurcated randomized f...
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Apparatus for Measuring Minority Carrier Lifetimes in Semiconductor Materials
An apparatus for determining the minority carrier lifetime of a semiconductor sample includes a positioner for moving the sample relative to a coil. The coil is connected to a bridge circuit such that the impedance of one arm of the bridge circuit is varied as sample is positioned relative to the co...
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Apparatus and Method for Measuring the Thickness of a Semiconductor Wafer
Apparatus for measuring thicknesses of semiconductor wafers, comprising: housing means for supporting a wafer in a light-tight environment; a light source mounted to the housing at one side of the wafer to emit light of a predetermined wavelength to normally impinge the wafer; a light detector suppo...
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Apparatus and Method for Measuring Minority Carrier Lifetimes in Semiconductor Materials
An apparatus for determining the minority carrier lifetime of a semiconductor sample includes a positioner for moving the sample relative to a coil. The coil is connected to a bridge circuit such that the impedance of one arm of the bridge circuit is varied as sample is positioned relative to the co...
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Apparatus and Method for Maximizing Power Delivered by a Photovoltaic Array
A method and apparatus for maximizing the electric power output of a photovoltaic array connected to a battery where the voltage across the photovoltaic array is adjusted through a range of voltages to find the voltage across the photovoltaic array that maximizes the electric power generated by the ...
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Enhanced Tunnel Junction for Improved Performance in Cascaded Solar Cells
BACKGROUND: Solar energy created through photovoltaics is finding increasing interest as an alternative power source for domestic and industrial use. The amount of power generated by a solar cell array is limited to the amount of solar cell area. In order to increase power delivery, the efficiency ...
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