Abstract: An inexpensive method of coating silicon shot with boron atoms comprises (1) immersing silicon shot in a boron dopant spin-on solution comprising a borosilicate, a polymer precursor, and a volatile solvent, and (2) removing the solvent so as to leave a polymeric coating containing borosilicate on the shot. A precise amount of this coated shot may then be mixed with a measured quantity of silicon pellets and the resulting mixture may then be melted to provide a boron-doped silicon melt for use in growing p-type silicon bodies that can be converted to substrates for photovoltaic solar cells.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in edge etching a plurality of flat semiconductor wafers comprises a carousel releasably holding a plurality of carriers that are adapted to support a horizontal stack of wafers at selected points along the edges of the wafers. The carousel is adapted to be releasably attached to a dual axis rotary drive mechanism in a reaction chamber containing a plasma jet stream generator. The drive mechanism is operated to cause axis rotation of the carriers over the plasma jet stream, with selected edges of the wafers being directly exposed to and etched by the plasma. The etching process is interrupted to permit the carriers to be removed from the carousel for reorientation of the wafers. Thereafter, the etching process is resumed, whereby other edges of the wafers are subjected to etching by the plasma jet stream.

Abstract: An improved mechanical arrangement controls the introduction of silicon particles into an EFG (Edge-defined Film-fed Growth) crucible/die unit for melt replenishment during a crystal growth run. A feeder unit injects silicon particles upwardly through a center hub of the crucible/die unit and the mechanical arrangement intercepts the injected particles and directs them so that they drop into the melt in a selected region of the crucible and at velocity which reduces splashing, whereby to reduce the likelihood of interruption of the growth process due to formation of a solid mass of silicon on the center hub and adjoining components. The invention also comprises use of a Faraday ring to alter the ratio of the electrical currents flowing through primary and secondary induction heating coils that heat the crucible die unit and the mechanical arrangement.

Abstract: An improved laminated photovoltaic solar cell module and method of manufacture are provided which are characterized by use of a zinc-based ionomer encapsulant to avoid chemical reaction degradation by residues of acidic solder flux at soldered solar cell connections.

Abstract: An improved mechanical arrangement controls the introduction of silicon particles into an EFG (Edge-defined Film-fed Growth) crucible/die unit for melt replenishment during a crystal growth run. A feeder unit injects silicon particles upwardly through a center hub of the crucible/die unit and the mechanical arrangement intercepts the injected particles and directs them so that they drop into the melt in a selected region of the crucible and at velocity which reduces splashing, whereby to reduce the likelihood of interruption of the growth process due to formation of a solid mass of silicon on the center hub and adjoining components. The invention also comprises use of a Faraday ring to alter the ratio of the electrical currents flowing through primary and secondary induction heating coils that heat the crucible die unit and the mechanical arrangement.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for laser cutting a thin fragile material using a high velocity assist gas to remove molten material and laser-generated debris is characterized by the high velocity assist gas exerting substantially zero force on the material being cut. An improved form of gas assist laser gas assist nozzle is shaped to achieve a supersonic gas flow velocity that is used advantageously to effect rapid removal of ejected gas and other materials.

Abstract: A method of cutting thin bodies of silicon so as to minimize edge damage comprises traversing said bodies with the beam of a pulsed laser in a vacuum or in the presence of forming gas or a noble gas.

Abstract: A portable solar module cart is provided which comprises a platform, a pair of wheels attached to opposite sides of the platform, a pair of support struts attached to opposite sides of the platform and movable relative to the platform between a first retracted position in which they lie substantially parallel to the platform and a second erected position in which they extend at a selected angle to the platform so that a DC power source can be disposed on and supported by the platform, a solar panel pivotally mounted to the struts, the solar panel being movable on its pivot when the struts are in their erected position so as to be in a perpendicular relationship with an imaginary line connecting the sun and the solar panel, whereby to maximize the solar energy collected by the panel, and means for locking the solar panel in any selected position on its pivot.

Abstract: A new EFG (Edge-defined Film-fed Growth) crucible/die configuration is provided which (a) overcomes the tendency for silicon feed material to form a solid mass near the center hub region in the hot-zone during the crystal growth and (b) prevent the crucible/die unit from fracturing its supporting susceptor during cool-down.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising an array of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells disposed in a planar and mutually spaced relationship between a light-transparent front cover member in sheet form and a back sheet structure is provided with a novel light-reflecting means disposed between adjacent cells for reflecting light falling in the areas between cells back toward said transparent cover member for further internal reflection onto the solar cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing hollow crystalline bodies by the EFG process, comprising an EFG die having a top surface shaped for growing a hollow crystalline body having a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of a polygon having n faces, and a radiation shield adjacent to and surrounded by the top end surface of the die, characterized in that the shield has an inner edge defining a similar polygon with n sides, and the inner edge of the shield is notched so that the spacing between the n faces and the n sides is greatest between the central portions of the n faces and the n sides, whereby the greater spacing at the central portions helps to reduce lateral temperature gradients in the crystalline body that is grown by use of the die.

Abstract: An improved susceptor for a crucible/die assembly for growing tubular crystalline structures by the EFG process is provided. The crucible/die assembly comprises a die having a substantially polygonally-shaped top end surface for supporting a film of silicon feed material that is replenished from a melt in the crucible through capillary action. A hollow crystalline body is grown from the film of silicon material on the top end surface of the die. The heat susceptor is made of graphite or similar material, and has a peripheral configuration similar to that of the die. Further, the upper surface of the heat susceptor has a central land and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced upwardly extending projections.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming shallow p-n junctions in silicon substrates to produce photovoltaic cells, which apparatus provides three processing chambers. An ultrasonic spray is mounted in the first processing chamber to coat a front surface of the substrate with a liquid dopant-containing material. The second processing chamber dries the coated substrates leaving a dopant-containing residue on the front surface. The third processing chamber fires the substrates in an oxygen-containing environment to diffuse the dopant into the substrate and provide a p-n junction. The apparatus conducts humidified air to each chamber to control polymerization of the dopant source and to prevent non-humidified air from entering the chambers.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar cell module and method of manufacture is provided wherein an ionomer is used as an encapsulant.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar cell module and method of manufacture is provided wherein an ionomer is used as an encapsulant, wherein said ionomer being modified by the presence of 0.3 to 2.0 wt. percent of a UV absorber and 0.3 to 2.0 wt. percent of a UV stabilizer.