Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a heterojunction solar cell. The solar cell includes a metallurgical-grade Si (MG-Si) substrate, a layer of heavily doped crystalline-Si situated above the MG-Si substrate, a layer of lightly doped crystalline-Si situated above the heavily doped crystalline-Si layer, a backside ohmic-contact layer situated on the backside of the MG-Si substrate, a passivation layer situated above the heavily doped crystalline-Si layer, a layer of heavily doped amorphous Si (a-Si) situated above the passivation layer, a layer of transparent-conducting-oxide (TCO) situated above the heavily doped a-Si layer, and a front ohmic-contact electrode situated above the TCO layer.

Abstract: A solar cell. The solar cell includes a substrate, a first layer comprising a first copper-based material deposited upon the substrate, the first copper-based material electrically attracted to the substrate or to a first optional deposit layer deposited between the substrate and the first layer, and a second layer comprising a second copper-based material deposited upon the first layer or an second optional deposit layer deposited between the first layer and the second layer, the second copper-based material electrically attracted to the first layer or to the second optional deposit layer, wherein the first copper-based material and the second copper-based material are selected from the group consisting of copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS), copper indium selenium (CIS), and cadmium sulfate (CdS).

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including a single junction solar cell provided by an absorption layer of a type IV semiconductor material having a first conductivity, and an emitter layer of a type III-V semiconductor material having a second conductivity, wherein the type III-V semiconductor material has a thickness that is no greater than 50 nm.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method is included. The method includes thermally processing an assembly to form at least one transparent layer. The assembly includes a first panel including a first layer disposed on a first support and a second panel including a second layer disposed on a second support, wherein the second panel faces the first panel, and wherein the first layer and the second layer include substantially amorphous cadmium tin oxide. Method of making a photovoltaic device is also included.

Abstract: Provided is a Se- or S-based thin film solar cell, including a substrate, a rear electrode formed on the substrate, a light absorbing layer formed on the rear electrode and containing at least one of selenium (Se) and sulfur (S), and an rear electrode top layer. The rear electrode top layer is formed between the rear electrode and the light absorbing layer, and contains a large amount of oxygen (O) to control diffusion of sodium (Na) through the rear electrode to the light absorbing layer. In this manner, it is possible to improve the electrical conductivity and interfacial adhesion of the rear electrode while stimulating diffusion of sodium (Na) to improve the efficiency of a thin film solar cell.

Abstract: Nanostructure array optoelectronic devices are disclosed. The optoelectronic device may be a multi junction solar cell. The optoelectronic device may have a bi-layer electrical interconnect that is physically and electrically connected to sidewalls of the array of nanostructures. The optoelectronic device may be operated as a multi junction solar cell, wherein each junction is associated with one portion of the device. The bi-layer electrical interconnect allows current to pass from one portion to the next. Thus, the bi-layer electrical interconnect may serve as a replacement for a tunnel junction, which is used in some conventional multi junction solar cells.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light sensor and method of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The ultraviolet light sensor includes Group-III Nitride layers adjacent to a silicon wafer with one of the layers at least partially exposed such that a surface thereof can receive UV light to be detected. The Group-III Nitride layers include a p-type layer and an n-type layer, with p/n junctions therebetween forming at least one diode. Conductive contacts are arranged to conduct electrical current through the sensor as a function of ultraviolet light received at the outer Group-III Nitride layer. The Group-III Nitride layers may be formed from, e.g., GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, or InAlN. The sensor may include a buffer layer between one of the Group-III Nitride layers and the silicon wafer. By utilizing silicon as the substrate on which the UV sensor diode is formed, a UV sensor can be produced that is small, efficient, cost-effective, and compatible with other semiconductor circuits and processes.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a thermoelectric material having an aligned polarization field along a central axis of the material. Along the axis are a first atomic plane and a second atomic plane of substantially similar area. The planes define a first volume and form a single anisotropic crystal. The first volume has a first outer surface and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, with the outer surfaces defining the central axis passing through a bulk. The bulk polarization field is formed from a first electrical sheet charge and a second opposing electrical sheet charge, one on each atomic plane. The opposing sheet charges define a bulk polarization field aligned with the central axis, and the bulk polarization field causes asymmetric thermal and electrical conductivity through the first volume along the central axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell or component thereof that includes a p-type thin film solar light absorbing layer having one or more compositions of group II-VI alloys described as CdTexM1-x, where M is S, Se or O. An n-type thin-film transparent window layer comprising CdS is provided adjacent to the CdTexMi-x p-type thin film solar light absorbing layer such that a p-n junction formed between the layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a solar cell. In the method, there are provided first and second substrates each including first and second faces. There are provided first and second coating devices and a joining device. The first coating device is used to form a transparent electrode layer on the first face of the first substrate. The second coating device is used to form an absorbing layer on the first face of the second substrate. The second substrate is selenized by hot pressing. The joining device is used to join together the first and second substrates by joining the transparent electrode layer with the absorbing layer. The transparent electrode layer is joined with the absorbing layer by hot pressing. Thus, the solar cell is not made by coating one layer on another. Time for making the solar cell is reduced.

Abstract: A compound semiconductor light-emitting diode includes a light-emitting layer (133) formed of aluminum-gallium-indium phosphide, a light-emitting part (13) having component layers individually formed of a Group III-V compound semiconductor, a transparent supporting layer (14) bonded to one of the outermost surface layers (135) of the light-emitting part (13) and transparent to the light emitted from the light-emitting layer (133), and a bonding layer (141) formed between the supporting layer (14) and the one of the outermost surface layers (135) of the light-emitting part (13) containing oxygen atoms at a concentration of 1×1020 cm?3 or less.

Abstract: A dichromatic photodiode and method for dichromatic photodetection are disclosed. A wide bandgap junction comprises a lattice matched junction operable to detect a first light spectrum. A narrow bandgap junction is coupled to the wide bandgap junction, and comprises a photodiode structure. The narrow bandgap junction is operable to detect a second light spectrum.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve photovoltaic (PV) cells comprising a semiconducting nanorod-nanocrystal-polymer hybrid layer, as well as methods for fabricating the same. In PV cells according to this invention, the nanocrystals may serve both as the light-absorbing material and as the heterojunctions at which excited electron-hole pairs split.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of forming multi-doped junctions, which utilize a nanoparticle ink to form an ink pattern on a surface of a substrate. From the ink pattern, a densified film ink pattern can be formed. The disclosed methods may allow in situ controlling of dopant diffusion profiles.

Abstract: A photodetector detects the absence or presence of light by detecting a change in the inductance of a coil. The magnetic field generated when a current flows through the coil passes through an electron-hole generation region. Charged particles in the electron-hole generation region come under the influence of the magnetic field, and generate eddy currents whose magnitudes depend on whether light is absent or present. The eddy currents generate a magnetic field that opposes the magnetic field generated by current flowing through the coil.

Abstract: A gallium nitride semiconductor device is disclosed that can be made by an easy manufacturing method. The device includes a silicon substrate, buffer layers formed on the top surface of the silicon substrate, and gallium nitride grown layers formed thereon. The silicon substrate has trenches 12 formed from the bottom surface, each trench having a depth reaching the gallium nitride grown layer through the silicon substrate and the buffer layers. The inside surface of each of the trenches and the bottom surface of the silicon substrate is covered with a drain electrode as a metal film. The vertical gallium nitride semiconductor device with this structure allows an electric current to flow in the direction of the thickness of the silicon substrate regardless of the resistance values of the gallium nitride grown layers and the buffer layers.

Abstract: Wavelength converters, including polarization-enhanced carrier capture converters, for solid state lighting devices, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A solid state radiative semiconductor structure in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first region having a first value of a material characteristic and being positioned to receive radiation at a first wavelength. The structure can further include a second region positioned adjacent to the first region to emit radiation at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. The second region has a second value of the material characteristic that is different than the first value, with the first and second values of the characteristic forming a potential gradient to drive electrons, holes, or both electrons and holes in the radiative structure from the first region to the second region. In a further particular embodiment, the material characteristic includes material polarization.

Abstract: A device and method for fabrication of a multi-junction photovoltaic device includes providing a parent substrate including a single crystal III-V material. The parent substrate forms a III-V cell of the multi-junction photovoltaic device. A lattice-matched Germanium layer is epitaxially grown on the III-V material to form a final cell of the multi-junction photovoltaic device. The Germanium layer is bonded to a foreign substrate.

Abstract: A touch substrate includes a base substrate, a sensing element and a switching element. The sensing element is disposed over the base substrate, senses infrared light, and includes a sensing semiconductor pattern. The switching element is electrically connected to the sensing element, includes a material substantially the same as a material of the sensing semiconductor pattern, and includes a switching semiconductor pattern having a thickness different from a thickness of the sensing semiconductor pattern.

Abstract: There is disclosed methods of making photosensitive devices, such as flexible photovoltaic (PV) devices, through the use of epitaxial liftoff. Also described herein are methods of preparing flexible PV devices comprising a structure having a growth substrate, wherein the selective etching of protective layers yields a smooth growth substrate that us suitable for reuse.

Abstract: Tensile strained germanium is provided that can be sufficiently strained to provide a nearly direct band gap material or a direct band gap material. Compressively stressed or tensile stressed stressor materials in contact with germanium regions induce uniaxial or biaxial tensile strain in the germanium regions. Stressor materials may include silicon nitride or silicon germanium. The resulting strained germanium structure can be used to emit or detect photons including, for example, generating photons within a resonant cavity to provide a laser.

Abstract: There is disclosed ultrahigh-efficiency single- and multi-junction thin-film solar cells. This disclosure is also directed to a substrate-damage-free epitaxial lift-off (“ELO”) process that employs adhesive-free, reliable and lightweight cold-weld bonding to a substrate, such as bonding to plastic or metal foils shaped into compound parabolic metal foil concentrators. By combining low-cost solar cell production and ultrahigh-efficiency of solar intensity-concentrated thin-film solar cells on foil substrates shaped into an integrated collector, as described herein, both lower cost of the module as well as significant cost reductions in the infrastructure is achieved.

Abstract: The method and system for selenization in fabricating CIS and/or CIGS based thin film solar cell overlaying cylindrical glass substrates. The method includes providing a substrate, forming an electrode layer over the substrate and depositing a precursor layer of copper, indium, and/or gallium over the electrode layer. The method also includes disposing the substrate vertically in a furnace. Then a gas including a hydrogen species, a selenium species and a carrier gas are introduced into the furnace and heated to between about 350° C. and about 450° C. to at least initiate formation of a copper indium diselenide film from the precursor layer.

Abstract: [Problem] In the case of further stacking a window layer or the like on a buffer layer, the buffer layer and the light absorption layer are likely to be damaged during the formation of the window layer due to inferior moisture resistance and plasma resistance, and photoelectric conversion elements sometimes fail to achieve any satisfactory conversion efficiency in terms of reliability. [Solving Means] Provided is a photoelectric conversion element including: a light absorption layer containing a I-B group element, a III-B group element, and a VI-B group element, which is provided on a lower electrode layer; a first semiconductor layer containing a III-B group element and a VI-B group element, which is provided on the light absorption layer; and a second semiconductor layer containing an oxide of a II-B group element, which is provided on the first semiconductor layer, wherein the light absorption layer comprises a doped layer region containing the II-B group element, on the first semiconductor layer side.

Abstract: A photonic device comprises a substrate and a dielectric material including two or more openings that expose a portion of the substrate, the two or more openings each having an aspect ratio of at least 1. A bottom diode material comprising a compound semiconductor material that is lattice mismatched to the substrate occupies the two or more openings and is coalesced above the two or more openings to form the bottom diode region. The device further includes a top diode material and an active diode region between the top and bottom diode materials.

Abstract: A photodiode and the like capable of preventing the responsivity on the short wavelength side from deteriorating while totally improving the responsivity in a type II MQW structure, is provided. The photodiode is formed on a group III-V compound semiconductor substrate 1, and includes a pixel P. The photodiode includes an absorption layer 3 of a type II MQW structure, which is located on the substrate 1. The MQW structure includes fifty or more pairs of two different types of group III-V compound semiconductor layers 3a and 3b. The thickness of one of the two different types of group III-V compound semiconductor layers, which layer 3a has a higher potential of a valence band, is thinner than the thickness of the other layer 3b.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor material of a photovoltaic device that includes providing a surface of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material, and annealing the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material in a deuterium containing atmosphere. Deuterium from the deuterium-containing atmosphere is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material through the surface of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material. In some embodiments, the deuterium that is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material increases the stability of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor material of a photovoltaic device that includes providing a surface of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material, and annealing the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material in a deuterium containing atmosphere. Deuterium from the deuterium-containing atmosphere is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material through the surface of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material. In some embodiments, the deuterium that is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material increases the stability of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a method of fabricating GaInP/GaAs/Si triple junction solar cells by epitaxy lift-off and mechanical stack techniques. First, a GaInP(1.85 eV)/GaAs(1.42 eV) dual-junction cell is fabricated on a GaAs substrate, and a Si single junction is fabricated on a Si substrate. The Si single junction cell and the GaInP/GaAs dual-junction cell are joined together robustly by metal-metal bonding. A buffer layer, Gallium Phosphide (GaP) inserted between GaAs and Si can further optimize electrical, thermal and optical coupling. Furthermore, when a GaP layer is grown on a p-type Si substrate, a Si p-n junction as a fully functional solar cell is formed simultaneously, thereby reducing manufacturing cost. The technology can achieve GaInP/GaAs/Si triple junction solar cells of the conversion efficiency as high as 36% under a standard AM1.5 solar spectrum, with the optimal current 13.3 mA/cm2 and the sum of open-circuit voltages 3.1V.

Abstract: A two-terminal mesa phototransistor and a method for making it are disclosed. The photo transistor has a mesa structure having a substantially planar semiconductor surface. In the mesa structure is a first semiconductor region of a first doping type, and a second semiconductor region of a second doping type opposite to that of the first semiconductor region, forming a first semiconductor junction with the first region. In addition, a third semiconductor region of the first doping type forms a second semiconductor junction with the second region. The structure also includes a dielectric layer. The second semiconductor region, first semiconductor junction, and second semiconductor junction each has an intersection with the substantially planar semiconductor surface. The dielectric covers, and is in physical contact with, all of the intersections.

Abstract: Provided is a light-receiving device which has light-receiving sensitivity superior to that of a conventional Schottky diode type light-receiving device and also has sufficiently-strengthened junction of a Schottky electrode. A first contact layer formed of AlGaN and having conductivity, a light-receiving layer formed of AlGaN, and a second contact layer formed of AlN and having a thickness of 5 nm are epitaxially formed on a predetermined substrate in the stated order, and a second electrode is brought into Schottky junction with the second contact layer, to thereby form MIS junction. Further, after the Schottky junction, heat treatment is performed under a nitrogen gas atmosphere at 600° C. for 30 seconds.

Abstract: A chemical bath deposition method and a system are presented to prepare different thin films on plane substrates. In particular, they are useful to deposit CdS or ZnS buffer layers in manufacture of thin film solar cells. This method and the deposition system deposit thin films onto vertically travelling plane workpieces delivered by a conveyor belt. The thin films are deposited with continuously spraying the reaction solutions from their freshly mixed styles to gradually aged forms until the designed thickness is obtained. The substrates and the solutions are heated to a reaction temperature. During the deposition processes, the front surfaces of the substrates are totally covered with the sprayed solutions but the substrate backsides are remained dry. The reaction ambience inside the reactor can be isolated from the outside atmosphere. The apparatus is designed to generate a minimum amount of waste solutions for chemical treatments.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic cell (10) comprises an n-type semiconductor window layer (40), a p-type semiconductor absorption layer (5) and a pn-junction (6) at the interface between these two layers, wherein the p-type semiconductor absorption layer is formed of cadmium telluride CdTe. According to the present invention, the n-type semiconductor window layer (40) comprises zinc oxide/sulfide Zn (O,S).

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a hybrid multi junction photovoltaic device. The method begins by providing a plurality of planar photovoltaic semi-transparent modules. Each of the modules is a fully functional, thin-film, photovoltaic device and includes first and second conductive layers and at least first and second semiconductor layers disposed between the conductive layers. The first and second semiconductor layers define a junction at an interface therebetween. The method continues by disposing the modules one on top of another and hybridly adhering them to each other. At least one of the modules is configured to convert a first spectral portion of optical energy into an electrical voltage and transmit a second spectral portion of optical energy to another of the junctions that is configured to convert at least part of the second spectral portion of optical energy into an electrical voltage.

Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surfaces of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.

Abstract: Provided are an epitaxial wafer, a photodiode, and the like that include an antimony-containing layer and can be efficiently produced such that protruding surface defects causing a decrease in the yield can be reduced and impurity contamination causing degradation of the performance can be suppressed. The production method includes a step of growing an antimony (Sb)-containing layer on a substrate 1 by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy using only metal-organic sources; and a step of growing, on the antimony-containing layer, an antimony-free layer including a window layer 5, wherein, from the growth of the antimony-containing layer to completion of the growth of the window layer, the growth is performed at a growth temperature of 425° C. or more and 525° C. or less.

Abstract: A semiconductor electronic device comprises a substrate; a buffer layer formed on said substrate, having two or more layers of composite layers in which a first semiconductor layer comprising nitride based compound semiconductor having smaller lattice constant and greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the substrate and a second semiconductor layer comprising nitride based compound semiconductor having smaller lattice constant and smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the first semiconductor layer are alternately laminated; a semiconductor operating layer comprising nitride based compound semiconductor formed on said buffer layer; a dislocation reducing layer comprising nitride based compound semiconductor, formed in a location between a location directly under said buffer layer and inner area of said semiconductor operating layer, and comprising a lower layer area and an upper layer area each having an uneven boundary surface, wherein threading dislocation extending from the lower layer area t

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and method include a substrate coupled to an emitter side structure on a first side of the substrate and a back side structure on a side opposite the first side of the substrate. The emitter side structure or the back side structure include layers alternating between wide band gap layers and narrow band gap layers to provide a multilayer contact with an effectively increased band offset with the substrate and/or an effectively higher doping level over a single material contact. An emitter contact is coupled to the emitter side structure on a light collecting end portion of the device. A back contact is coupled to the back side structure opposite the light collecting end portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a back junction solar cell. The solar cell includes a base layer, a quantum-tunneling-barrier (QTB) layer situated below the base layer facing away from incident light, an emitter layer situated below the QTB layer, a front surface field (FSF) layer situated above the base layer, a front-side electrode situated above the FSF layer, and a back-side electrode situated below the emitter layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) cell device comprises a first semiconductor substrate; a second semiconductor substrate bonded to the first semiconductor substrate; an insulating layer provided between the first and second substrates to electrically isolate the first substrate from the second substrate; a plurality of PV cells defined on the first substrate, each PV cell including a n-type region and a p-type region; a plurality of vertical trenches provided in the first substrate to separated the PV cells, the vertical trenches terminating at the insulating layer; a plurality of isolation structures provided within the vertical trenches, each isolation structure including a first isolation layer including oxide and a second isolation layer including polysilicon; and an interconnect layer patterned to connect the PV cells to provide X number of PV cells in series and Y number of PV cells in parallel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises depositing a semiconductor layer over a semiconductor surface having at least one first region with a first (average surface lattice) parameter value and at least one second region having a second parameter value different from the first. The semiconductor layer is deposited to a thickness so self-organized islands form over both the first and second regions. The difference in the parameter value means the islands over the first region have a first average parameter value and the islands over the second region have a second average parameter value different from the first. A capping layer is deposited over islands and has a greater forbidden bandgap than the islands whereby the islands form quantum dots, which have different properties over the first and second regions due to difference(s) between the first and second region islands.

Abstract: A multi junction photovoltaic device includes lower pn junction layers comprising silicon and upper pn junction layers formed over the lower pn junction layers. The upper pn junction layers include a CdTe layer, wherein the upper pn junction layers are electrically serially connected to the lower pn junction layers. The upper pn junction layers can convert a first portion of photons into a first electric voltage. The lower pn junction layers can convert a second portion of photons into a second electric voltage lower than the first electric voltage.

Abstract: A method for generating electric power including the steps of: (a) preparing a solar cell having a condensing lens and a solar cell element, wherein the solar cell element includes an n-type GaAs layer, a p-type GaAs layer, a quantum tunneling layer, an n-type InGaP layer, a p-type InGaP layer, a p-type window layer, an n-side electrode, and a p-side electrode, and satisfies the following equation (I): d2<d1, d3<d1, 1 nanometer?d2?4 nanometers, 1 nanometer?d3?4 nanometers, d5<d4, d6<d4, 1 nanometer?d5?5 nanometers, 1 nanometer?d6?5 nanometers, 100 nanometers?w2, 100 nanometers?w3, 100 nanometers?w4, and 100 nanometers?w5 . . . (I); and (b) irradiating a region S which is included in the surface of the p-type window layer through the condensing lens with light to satisfy the following equation (II) in order to generate a potential difference between the n-side electrode and the p-side electrode: w6?w1 . . . (II).

Abstract: Novel structures of photovoltaic cells (also treated as solar cells) are provided. The cells are based on nanometer-scaled wires, tubes, and/or rods, which are made of electronic materials covering semiconductors, insulators or metallic in structure. These photovoltaic cells have large power generation capability per unit physical area over the conventional cells. These cells will have enormous applications in space, commercial, residential, and industrial applications.

Abstract: Using a laser lift-off (LLO) nonbonding technique, freestanding 4-layer GaN/AlGaN heterostructure membranes have been formed. A 4×4 mm mask was attached to the area at the center of the most-upper AlGaN layer was attached using a nonbonding material such as vacuum grease. A microscopic slide attached by an adhesive provided support for the structure during the laser lift-off without bonding to the layers. The vacuum grease and the mask isolated the adhesive from the structure at the center. The microscopic slide served as a temporarily nonbonding handle substrate. Laser lift-off of the sapphire substrate from the heterostructures was performed. The remaining adhesive served as a supporting frame for the structure making a free-standing 4-layer GaN/AGaN heterostructure membrane. Other frameless freestanding membranes can be fabricated for a variety of applications including further III-nitride growth, heterogeneous integration, packaging of micro systems, and thin film patterns.

Abstract: Novel structures of photovoltaic cells (also treated as solar cells) are provided. The Cells are based on the nanometer-scaled wire, tubes, and/or rods, which are made of the electronics materials covering semiconductors, insulator or metallic in structure. These photovoltaic cells have large power generation capability per unit physical area over the conventional cells. These cells can have also high radiation tolerant capability. These cells will have enormous applications such as in space, in commercial, residential and industrial applications.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a diode comprises a substrate, a dielectric material including an opening that exposes a portion of the substrate, the opening having an aspect ratio of at least 1, a bottom diode material including a lower region disposed at least partly in the opening and an upper region extending above the opening, the bottom diode material comprising a semiconductor material that is lattice mismatched to the substrate, a top diode material proximate the upper region of the bottom diode material, and an active diode region between the top and bottom diode materials, the active diode region including a surface extending away from the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer includes a base wafer, a sacrificial layer that is lattice-matched or pseudo lattice-matched to the base wafer, a first crystal layer that is formed on the sacrificial layer and made of an epitaxial crystal of SixGe1-x, (0?x<1), and a second crystal layer that is formed on the first crystal layer and made of an epitaxial crystal of a group 3-5 compound semiconductor having a larger band gap than the first crystal layer. The base wafer is, for example, made of single-crystal GaAs. The sacrificial layer is, for example, made of an epitaxial crystal of InmAlnGa1-m-nAs (0?m<1, 0<n?1, 0<n+m?1).

Abstract: Disclosed are minority carrier based mercury-cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) infrared detectors and arrays, and methods of making, are disclosed. The constructions provided by the invention enable the detectors to be used at higher temperatures, and/or be implemented on less expensive semiconductor substrates to lower manufacturing costs. An exemplary embodiment a substrate, a bottom contact layer disposed on the substrate, a first mercury-cadmium telluride layer having a first bandgap energy value disposed on the bottom contact layer, a second mercury-cadmium telluride layer having a second bandgap energy value that is greater than the first bandgap energy value disposed on the first mercury-cadmium telluride layer, and a collector layer disposed on the second mercury-cadmium telluride layer, wherein the first and second mercury-cadmium telluride layers are each doped with an n-type dopant.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a cell structure includes doping a substrate to form a N-region and a P-region, disposing a first anti-reflective layer on the substrate, disposing a metallic contact paste on the first anti-reflective layer, drying the metallic contact paste to form contacts, disposing a second anti-reflective layer on the first anti-reflective layer and the metallic contacts, and heating the cell structure, wherein heating the cell structure results in metallic contact material penetrating the first anti-reflective layer and contacting the substrate.