Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a passivating contact that includes a dielectric layer constructed of a first material, an intervening layer constructed of a second material, and a substrate constructed of a semiconductor, where the dielectric layer is positioned between the substrate and the intervening layer, the dielectric layer has a first thickness, and the substrate has a second thickness. The passivating contact also includes a plurality of conductive pathways that include the second material and pass through the first thickness, the second material penetrates into the second thickness forming a plurality of penetrating regions within the substrate, and the plurality of conductive pathways are configured to allow current to pass through the first thickness.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a passivating contact that includes a dielectric layer constructed of a first material, an intervening layer constructed of a second material, and a substrate constructed of a semiconductor, where the dielectric layer is positioned between the substrate and the intervening layer, the dielectric layer has a first thickness, and the substrate has a second thickness. The passivating contact also includes a plurality of conductive pathways that include the second material and pass through the first thickness, the second material penetrates into the second thickness forming a plurality of penetrating regions within the substrate, and the plurality of conductive pathways are configured to allow current to pass through the first thickness.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for improving the performance of a silicon solar cell by improving the contact layer. This involves chemically bonding an interlayer to the dielectric layer. An interlayer introduces specific impurities into the passivated contact. These impurities (such as nitrogen, fluorine, and/or carbon) can improve the passivation of the contact by improving or rejecting adhesion.

Abstract: Methods of forming interdigitated back contact (IBC) layers are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a first layer having alternating regions of n-type amorphous hydrogenated silicon and p-type amorphous hydrogenated silicon is formed on a second layer of intrinsic amorphous hydrogenated silicon. The first layer and the second layer are then annealed, such that dopants from the first layer diffuse into the second layer, and the first layer and the second layer crystallize into polysilicon.

Abstract: Methods of forming interdigitated back contact (IBC) layers are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a first layer having alternating regions of n-type amorphous hydrogenated silicon and p-type amorphous hydrogenated silicon is formed on a second layer of intrinsic amorphous hydrogenated silicon. The first layer and the second layer are then annealed, such that dopants from the first layer diffuse into the second layer, and the first layer and the second layer crystallize into polysilicon.

Abstract: A semi-insulating zinc-oxide (ZnO) single crystal. The crystal has resistivity of at least 1.5×103 ohm-centimeter (?-cm). The ZnO crystal can be produced from a melt contained by solid-phase ZnO to prevent introduction of undesired impurities into the crystal. The crystal can be a bulk single crystal that is cut and processed into wafer form of specified thickness. A dopant in a concentration ranging from 1×1015 atoms per cubic centimeter (atoms/cc) to 5×1021 atoms/cc can increase resistivity of the crystal relative to intrinsic ZnO. The dopant can be lithium (Li), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and/or manganese (Mn).

Abstract: A semi-insulating zinc-oxide (ZnO) single crystal. The crystal has resistivity of at least 1.5×103 ohm-centimeter (&OHgr;-cm). The ZnO crystal can be produced from a melt contained by solid-phase ZnO to prevent introduction of undesired impurities into the crystal. The crystal can be a bulk single crystal that is cut and processed into wafer form of specified thickness. A dopant in a concentration ranging from 1×1015 atoms per cubic centimeter (atoms/cc) to 5×1021 atoms/cc can increase resistivity of the crystal relative to intrinsic ZnO. The dopant can be lithium (Li), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and/or manganese (Mn).