Abstract: A method for forming an electrode of a solar battery on an electrode forming face of a semiconductor substrate, comprises: applying a resin containing a conductor material to be the electrode onto an electrode forming region of the electrode forming face; causing a pattern transfer member, on which a reverse pattern obtained by reversing a pattern of the electrode is formed, to face the electrode forming face, and registering the pattern transfer member on a position in which the electrode is to be formed in the electrode forming face; pressing the pattern transfer member against the electrode forming face to transfer the electrode pattern to the resin containing the conductor material; separating the pattern transfer member from the resin containing the conductor material; and baking the electrode pattern transferred to the resin containing the conductor material to form the electrode on the electrode forming face of the substrate.

Abstract: A power converter comprises a nuclear radiation emitter having a first side and a second side, wherein the nuclear radiation emitter comprises a radiation-emitting radioisotope, a plurality of semiconductor substrates disposed over the first side of the nuclear radiation emitter, wherein each of the plurality of semiconductor substrates comprises a junction for converting nuclear radiation particles to electrical energy, and at least one high-density layer, wherein the high density layer has a density that is higher than a density of the semiconductor substrates, and wherein the high-density layer is disposed between two of the plurality of semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a photovoltaic device comprising a silicon substrate comprising a p-n junction, the process comprising the steps of: forming an amorphous silicon carbide antireflective coating over at least one surface of the silicon substrate by chemical vapor deposition of a composition comprising a precursor selected from the group consisting of an organosilane, an aminosilane, and mixtures thereof, wherein the amorphous silicon carbide antireflective coating is a film represented by the formula SivCxNuHyFz, wherein v+x+u+y+z=100%, v is from 1 to 35 atomic %, x is from 5 to 80 atomic %, u is from 0 to 50 atomic %, y is from 10 to 50 atomic % and z is from 0 to 15 atomic %.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an energy conversion device comprises a nuclear battery, a light source coupled to the nuclear battery and operable to receive electric energy from the nuclear battery and radiate electromagnetic energy, and a photocell operable to receive the radiated electromagnetic energy and convert the received electromagnetic energy into electric energy. The nuclear battery comprises a radioactive substance and a collector operable to receive particles emitted by the radioactive substance.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) device having a quantum dot sensitized interface includes a first conductor layer and a second conductor layer. At least one of the conductor layers is transparent to solar radiation. A quantum dot (nanoparticle) sensitized photo-harvesting interface comprises a photo-absorber layer, a quantum dot layer and a buffer layer, placed between the two conductors. The absorber layer is a p-type material and the buffer layer is an n-type material. The quantum dot layer has a tunable bandgap to cover infrared (IR), visible light and ultraviolet (UV) bands of solar spectrum.

Abstract: Thermionic solar converter with a linear arrangement of the components, suitable for the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy and the combined generation of heat and energy, in the form of an elongated transparent vacuum tube comprising: a cathode (5) and at least one anode (6), said cathode and anode being arranged longitudinally alongside each other along the tube: grid electrodes (10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16) for generating electric fields; means (18) for directly cooling the at least one anode; means (7) for electrically connecting the electrodes from the inside to the outside; an optical access window (4) along the surface area of the tube; wherein: the cathode is made of conductive refractory material, is suspended centrally inside the tube with an elongated form and forms the element for capturing the solar energy, on which the sunlight is directly focused in order to perform the thermionic conversion, without any intermediate heat transfer means; the electrical connection means form a l

Abstract: Provided is an energy harvesting device, including a solar cell including at least one active layer for receiving a first range of electromagnetic frequencies, at least one layer including antenna structures for receiving RF energy and formed on a first side of the solar cell, and at least one semiconductor for absorbing IR energy, and formed on a second side of the solar cell opposite the first side.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system includes a plurality of power generation panels and a power conditioner. The power generation panels and a radiation source are placed in a solar cell storage room buried typically in the ground. The radiation source includes radioactive waste generated in reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Each power generation panel has a phosphor member and a moderator member, which are disposed in that order on solar cells placed on a board. Radiation (for example, a gamma ray) emitted from the radiation source is injected on the power generation panel and is moderated by the moderator member. When the gamma ray with the reduced energy (below 100 keV) is injected on the phosphor member, it emits visible light. When the visible light is injected on the solar cells, electric power is generated.

Abstract: A radio frequency transparent photovoltaic cell includes a back contact layer formed of an electrically conductive material, at least one aperture formed in the back contact layer, and at least one photovoltaic cell section disposed on the back contact layer. An airship includes one or more radio frequency antennas disposed in an interior of the airship. One or more radio frequency transparent photovoltaic cells are disposed on an outer surface of the airship.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising electrically conductive Ag, a second electrically conductive metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Al and mixtures thereof and a Pb-free bismuth-tellurium-oxide all dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the thick film paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides for a semiconductor wafer with a metal support element suitable for the formation of a flexible or sag tolerant photovoltaic cell. A method for forming a photovoltaic cell may comprise providing a semiconductor wafer have a thickness greater than 150 ?m, the wafer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first and etching the semiconductor wafer a first time so that the first etching reduces the thickness of the semiconductor wafer to less than 150 ?m. After the wafer has been etched a first time, a metal support element may be constructed on or over the first surface; and a photovoltaic cell may be fabricated, wherein the semiconductor wafer comprises the base of the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A method and device for maintaining a low temperature of a cold-side emitter for improving the efficiency of a sub-micron gap thermophotovoltaic cell structure. A thermophotovoltaic cell structure may comprise multiple layers compressed together by a force mechanism so that the sub-micron gap dimension is relatively constant although the layer boundaries may not be substantially flat compared to the relatively constant sub-micron dimension. The layered structure includes a hot side thermal emitter having a surface separated from a photovoltaic cell surface by a sub-micron gap having a dimension maintained by spacers. The surface of the photovoltaic cell opposite the sub-micron gap is compressibly positioned against a surface of microchannel heat sink and the surface of the microchannel heat sink opposite the photovoltaic cell is compressibly positioned against a flat metal plate layer and a compressible layer.

Abstract: A thermo-photovoltaic power generator for efficiently converting thermal energy into electric energy including a selective thermal emitter for receiving thermal energy and emitting thermal radiation with black body emissivity over a range of wavelengths, low-bandgap photovoltaic cells responsive to thermal radiation at wavelengths within a particular band of said range of wavelengths and operative to convert such thermal radiation to electric energy, and a band pass filter disposed between the thermal emitter and the photovoltaic cells for transmitting thermal radiation from the emitter at wavelengths within the particular band to the photovoltaic cells, and for reflecting thermal radiation from the emitter at wavelengths outside the particular band back to the emitter.

Abstract: A micron gap thermo-photo-voltaic device including a photovoltaic substrate, a heat source substrate, and a plurality of spacers separating the photovoltaic substrate from the heat source substrate by a submicron gap. Each spacer includes an elongated thin-walled structure disposed in a well formed in the heat source substrate and having a top surface less than a micron above the heat source substrate. Also disclosed are methods of making the spacers.

Abstract: An improved submicron gap thermophotovoltaic structure and method comprising an emitter substrate with a first surface for receiving heat energy and a second surface for emitting infrared radiation across an evacuated submicron gap to a juxtaposed first surface of an infrared radiation-transparent window substrate having a high refractive index. A second surface of the infrared radiation-transparent substrate opposite the first surface is affixed to a photovoltaic cell substrate by an infrared-transparent compliant adhesive layer. Relying on the high refractive index of the infrared radiation-transparent window substrate, the low refractive index of the submicron gap and Snell's law, the infrared radiation received by the first surface of the infrared radiation-transparent window substrate is focused onto a more perpendicular path to the surface of the photovoltaic cell substrate. This results in increased electrical power output and improved efficiency by the thermophotovoltaic structure.

Abstract: A back surface reflector (BSR) is described. The BSR includes a reflecting layer, a substrate and an adhesion layer between the reflecting layer and the substrate. The adhesion layer includes 3-mercaptopropyl (trimethoxy) silane (a.k.a. Merc).

Abstract: An improved efficiency thin film solar cell is disclosed. Nanoscale indentations or protrusions are formed on the cross sectional surface of a carrier layer, onto which a thin metal film is deposited. Additional layers, including semiconductor absorber and collector layers and a window layer, are disposed on the metal film, thereby completing the solar cell. The nanostructure underlying the metal film serves to reduce the work function of the metal and thereby assists in the absorption of holes created by solar photons. This leads to more efficient electricity generation in the solar cell. In a further embodiment of the present invention the cross sectional surface of the semiconductor absorber layer is also modified by nanoscale indentations or protrusions. These indentations or protrusions have the effect of altering the size of the semiconductor band gap, thereby optimizing the radiation absorption properties of the solar cell.

Abstract: A structure comprising an array of semiconductor structures, an infill material between the semiconductor materials, and one or more light-trapping elements is described. Photoconverters and photoelectrochemical devices based on such structure also described.

Abstract: A simple method that makes it possible to manufacture a highly-workable organic solar cell module having a plurality of connected organic solar cells is provided. The method includes: a first electrode substrate forming step of forming a plurality of first electrode layers on a first substrate to form a first electrode substrate; preparing a single piece of second electrode substrate-forming base material having at least a second electrode layer and capable of being cut into a plurality of second electrode substrates; a functional layer forming step; a cutting step to form a plurality of second electrode substrates; a bonding step so that the first and second electrode substrates are bonded together; and a connecting step of electrically connecting the first electrode layer of one of the organic solar cells to the second electrode layer of another organic solar cell which is adjacent to the one organic solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micron-gap thermal photovoltaic (MTPV) technology for the solid-state conversion of heat to electricity. The problem is forming and then maintaining the close spacing between two bodies at a sub-micron gap in order to maintain enhanced performance. While it is possible to obtain the sub-micron gap spacing, the thermal effects on the hot and cold surfaces induce cupping, warping, or deformation of the elements resulting in variations in gap spacing thereby resulting in uncontrollable variances in the power output. A major aspect of the design is to allow for intimate contact of the emitter chips to the shell inside surface, so that there is good heat transfer. The photovoltaic cells are pushed outward against the emitter chips in order to press them against the inner wall. A high temperature thermal interface material improves the heat transfer between the shell inner surface and the emitter chip.

Abstract: An energy conversion device includes a holographic lens arranged between a glass slab and the first solar cell. The holographic lens is configured to concentrate a portion of a first component of impinging electromagnetic radiation onto the first solar cell and direct a portion of a second component of the electromagnetic radiation away from the first solar cell. The first solar cell is a back contact solar cell configured to convert the first component of the electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy.

Abstract: A thermo-photovoltaic system including an infrared radiation emitter including a body including a first external surface and a second external surface, the first and second external surfaces being distinct, the first external surface facing a concentrator for receiving a concentrated solar radiation, the second external surface facing a thermo-photovoltaic cell, and the body further including at least one gas and/or liquid combustion chamber therein, and an igniter is provided for causing combustion in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An MTPV thermophotovoltaic chip comprising a photovoltaic cell substrate, micron/sub-micron gap-spaced from a juxtaposed heat or infrared radiation-emitting substrate, with a radiation-transparent intermediate window substrate preferably compliantly adhered to the photovoltaic cell substrate and bounding the gap space therewith.

Abstract: An improved diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer is formed using nanostructures and includes identifiable regions associated with chemical reactions isolated chemically from other regions in the converter, a region associated with an area that forms energy barriers of the desired height, a region associated with tailoring the boundary between semiconductor material and metal materials so that the junction does not tear apart, and a region associated with removing heat from the semiconductor.

Abstract: A method of constructing a solid-state energy-density micro radioisotope power source device. In such embodiments, the method comprises depositing the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition, comprising a semiconductor material and a radioisotope material, into a micro chamber formed within a power source device body. The method additionally includes heating the body to a temperature at which the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition will liquefy within the micro chamber to provide a liquid state composite mixture. Furthermore, the method includes cooling the body and liquid state composite mixture such that liquid state composite mixture solidifies to provide a solid-state composite voltaic semiconductor, thereby providing a solid-state high energy-density micro radioisotope power source device.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic system is described. The thermophotovoltaic system includes a chamber body, an emitter, a filter and a photovoltaic cell. The chamber body has an ellipsoid chamber including a first focus and a second focus. The emitter is disposed on the first focus, and the emitter is suitable for emitting a plurality of electromagnetic waves. The filter is surrounding the emitter to filter the electromagnetic waves and to pass the electromagnetic waves with a predetermined wavelength band. The photovoltaic cell is disposed on the second focus and is suitable for receiving the electromagnetic waves with the predetermined wavelength band.

Abstract: In some embodiments, energy is released by converting the bonding potential energy between two electropositive masses capable of forming a stable bond between them into the kinetic energy of an electron quasiparticle initially captured between them by the coulomb potential. The electron quasiparticles form transient bonds with delocalized ions and other reactants in or on a reaction particle where reaction rates and branches are controlled by the choice of electron quasiparticle effective mass. Methods and apparatus for stimulating and controlling such association reactions are shown and described. Thermionic and semiconductor methods and apparatus convert the electron quasiparticle energy directly into electricity. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for converting energy uses chemical reactions in close proximity to or on a surface to convert a substantial fraction of the available chemical energy of the shorter lived energized products, such as vibrationally excited chemicals and hot electrons, directly into a useful form, such as longer lived charge carriers in a semiconductor. The carriers store the excitation energy in a form that may be converted into other useful forms, such as electricity, nearly monochromatic electromagnetic radiation or carriers for stimulating other surface reactions.

Abstract: An MTPV thermophotovoltaic chip comprising a photovoltaic cell substrate, micron/sub-micron gap-spaced from a juxtaposed heat or infrared radiation-emitting substrate, with a radiation-transparent intermediate window substrate preferably compliantly adhered to the photovoltaic cell substrate and bounding the gap space therewith.

Abstract: Thermionic solar converter with a linear arrangement of the components, suitable for the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy and the combined generation of heat and energy, in the form of an elongated transparent vacuum tube comprising: a cathode (5) and at least one anode (6), said cathode and anode being arranged longitudinally alongside each other along the tube: grid electrodes (10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16) for generating electric fields; means (18) for directly cooling the at least one anode; means (7) for electrically connecting the electrodes from the inside to the outside; an optical access window (4) along the surface area of the tube; wherein: the cathode is made of conductive refractory material, is suspended centrally inside the tube with an elongated form and forms the element for capturing the solar energy, on which the sunlight is directly focused in order to perform the thermionic conversion, without any intermediate heat transfer means; the electrical connection means form a l

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion device in which the conductivity after hydrogen-plasma exposure is set within an appropriate range, thereby suppressing the leakage current and improving the conversion efficiency. A photoelectric conversion device includes, on a substrate, a photoelectric conversion layer having at least two power generation cell layers, and an intermediate contact layer provided between the power generation cell layers. The intermediate contact layer mainly contains a compound represented by Zn1-xMgxO (0.096?x?0.183).

Abstract: A compact power supply and battery substitute has a cylindrical wall with combustion air and cooling air fans at opposite ends. Air and fuel vapor flows through a mixing tube and an Omega recuperator to a combustion chamber and heats IR emitters spaced from TPV cells. An emitter post array or a catalytic matched emitter are heated by combustion. Exhaust is conducted through the recuperator that heats secondary air and fuel vapors and air in a mixing tube. Cooling air flows over fins radially extending from the TPV cells and past the recuperator and, mixes with exhaust from the recuperators and flows out of the housing past the combustion air fan. Fans are self-powered, and resulting electric power replaces batteries.

Abstract: Illustratively, an electrical generator includes a photovoltaic element which converts light produced by a surface into electrical power, the surface located in thermal communication with exhaust gases produced by an exothermic chemical reaction; a heat exchanger which takes at least a majority of thermal energy in the exhaust gases, after the thermal communication, and transfers the thermal energy to air input to the reaction; a catalytic converter, inside the heat exchanger, located to ensure that at least most of the exhaust gases are communicated into the catalytic converter and that heat generated by operation of the catalytic converter is transferred to the air input to the reaction; a sensor in the heat exchanger, located to monitor the reaction before the exhaust gases are communicated into the catalytic converter; a sensor located to sense after the exhaust gases are communicated into the catalytic converter, whether the catalytic converter is functioning properly.

Abstract: A method including activating an electronic device, such as an organic thin film transistor, by exposing the device to non-ionizing radiation while the device is under an electrical field. Activation of the transistor increases the field effect mobility of the transistor.

Abstract: A method and device for generating electrical energy in a thermophotonic generator, where electroluminescence and heat energy absorbed from the environment is used to generate light or other electromagnetic radiation that transfers energy from the emitting element to the absorbing element, where a part of the energy of the absorbed radiation generates electrical energy.

Abstract: A method for the fabrication of a three-dimensional thin-film semiconductor substrate with selective through-holes is provided. A porous semiconductor layer is conformally formed on a semiconductor template comprising a plurality of three-dimensional inverted pyramidal surface features defined by top surface areas aligned along a (100) crystallographic orientation plane of the semiconductor template and a plurality of inverted pyramidal cavities defined by sidewalls aligned along the (111) crystallographic orientation plane of the semiconductor template. An epitaxial semiconductor layer is conformally formed on the porous semiconductor layer. The epitaxial semiconductor layer is released from the semiconductor template. Through-holes are selectively formed in the epitaxial semiconductor layer with openings between the front and back lateral surface planes of the epitaxial semiconductor layer to form a partially transparent three-dimensional thin-film semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A micro-scale power source and method includes a semiconductor structure having an n-type semiconductor region, a p-type semiconductor region and a p-n junction. A radioisotope provides energy to the p-n junction resulting in electron-hole pairs being formed in the n-type semiconductor region and p-type semiconductor region, which causes electrical current to pass through p-n junction and produce electrical power.

Abstract: A long-life embedded structure sensor, remote long-life fluid measurement and analysis system, long-life off-grid enclosed space proximity change detector, surface-mount encryption device with volatile long-life key storage and volume intrusion response, and a portable encrypted data storage with volatile long-life key storage and volume intrusion response are provided to be powered by and equipped with a long-life power source that can provide operative power for at least a twenty year duration.

Abstract: A small sized power generator is provided, being highly efficient in power generation. The power generator can include a heat-light conversion element for converting heat to infrared light and a semiconductor power generation cell for converting the infrared light to electrical energy. The heat-light conversion element can include a material in which reflectance is higher on a long wavelength side of a predetermined infrared wavelength, relative to reflectance on a short wavelength side thereof. The material can cause radiation of the infrared light upon being heated. Heat from a heat source is transferred to the heat-light conversion element, thereby radiating the infrared light. The semiconductor power generation cell converts this infrared light to electrical energy, thereby performing thermal power generation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to articles, systems, and methods relating to the thermal stability of nanostructured and/or microstructured materials.

Abstract: A hybrid system for generating electrical power.

Abstract: An improved diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer is formed using nanostructures and includes identifiable regions associated with chemical reactions isolated chemically from other regions in the converter, a region associated with an area that forms energy barriers of the desired height, a region associated with tailoring the boundary between semiconductor material and metal materials so that the junction does not tear apart, and a region associated with removing heat from the semiconductor.

Abstract: A combustor for thermaophotovoltaic power systems includes a chamber body pervious to light and a metal porous medium as well as an emitter tube disposed inside the chamber body, respectively. By using a mixed liquid fuel to penetrate through the porous medium to form a fuel-film on the surface thereof and injecting the air into the chamber body, the contact surface of the fuel and the air is increased for promoting the thermal conduction and thoroughly vaporizing the liquid fuel to attain the flame stabilization. Further, the material of metal carbonyl can be added into the liquid fuel to efficiently increase the intensity of the flame luminescence after the burning reaction, and the radiation of the emitter tube combines with the radiation of the flame luminescence to increase the luminosity and enhance the electricity conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion structure includes a light guide formed of a light-transmissive member having a laser light incident port that allows the laser light to be introduced and a phosphor-containing layer that covers at least part of the surface of the light guide. The light guide has a light diffusing structure having asperities and a light reflecting film. The asperities are formed over the surface of the light guide except a laser light incident surface having the laser light incident port. The light reflecting film is formed over the surface of the light guide along the asperities except the laser light incident port and the portion covered with the phosphor-containing layer.

Abstract: A near-field energy conversion method, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near-field” gap between juxtaposed infrared radiation receiver and emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure for maintaining uniform gap separation. Thermally resistant gap spacers are also used to maintain uniform gap separation. Means are provided for cooling a receiver substrate structure and for conducting heat to an emitter substrate structure. The gap may also be evacuated for more effective operation.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a battery element, a film-form casing member, and a resin protective layer. The battery element includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The film-form casing member contains the battery element and an electrolyte in an enclosed space thereof. The resin protective layer is formed along the surface of the film-form casing member and has a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the conversion of energy of high-energy photons into electricity which utilize a series of materials with differing atomic charges to take advantage of the emission of a large multiplicity of electrons by a single high-energy photon via a cascade of Auger electron emissions. In one embodiment, a high-energy photon converter preferably includes a linearly layered nanometric-scaled wafer made up of layers of a first material sandwiched between layers of a second material having an atomic charge number differing from the atomic charge number of the first material. In other embodiments, the nanometric-scaled layers are configured in a tubular or shell-like configuration and/or include layers of a third insulator material.

Abstract: Provided are solar cells and methods of manufacturing the same. The solar cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode facing and separated from the first electrode, and a quantum dot-graphine hybrid composite disposed between the first and second electrodes. Quantum dots are combined with graphine in a ?-bond within the quantum dot-graphine hybrid composite.

Abstract: An improved submicron gap thermophotovoltaic structure and method comprising an emitter substrate with a first surface for receiving heat energy and a second surface for emitting infrared radiation across an evacuated submicron gap to a juxtaposed first surface of an infrared radiation-transparent window substrate having a high refractive index. A second surface of the infrared radiation-transparent substrate opposite the first surface is affixed to a photovoltaic cell substrate by an infrared-transparent compliant adhesive layer. Relying on the high refractive index of the infrared radiation-transparent window substrate, the low refractive index of the submicron gap and Snell's law, the infrared radiation received by the first surface of the infrared radiation-transparent window substrate is focused onto a more perpendicular path to the surface of the photovoltaic cell substrate. This results in increased electrical power output and improved efficiency by the thermophotovoltaic structure.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized photoelectric converter with enhanced light absorptance and photoelectric conversion efficiency is provided. The dye-sensitized photoelectric converter includes a transparent substrate (e.g., glass), a (negative) electrode composed of a transparent conductive layer such as FTO (fluorine-doped tin(IV) oxide SnO2), a semiconductor layer holding multiple types of photosensitizing dyes, an electrolyte layer, a counter (positive) electrode, a counter substrate, and a sealing medium (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the multiple types of photosensitizing dyes have minimum excitation energies that are different from one another. In some embodiments, the multiple types of dyes have steric configurations that are different relative to one another.