Abstract: An apparatus for securing an article, a carrier including the apparatus, and a method involving the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a base having a channel and a pivot post, an engagement member for selectively engaging the article, a rotatable actuation member having a pivot feature corresponding to the pivot post, and a positioning member secured to the base. The engagement member is slidably positionable in the channel of the base, the positioning member establishes travel limits for the rotatable actuation member, and the positioning member urges the engagement member toward the article. Rotation of the rotatable actuation member slides the engagement member along the channel of the base, thereby securing the article by the force provided by the positioning member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic cell, a method of forming the photovoltaic cell, and a system for forming the photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell includes a plurality of layers, at least one scribe disposed within the plurality of layers, and sidewalls delineating the scribe from the plurality of layers. At least a portion of the sidewalls includes material properties substantially consistent with the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A method for forming a transparent electrically conductive layer. The method includes providing a layer comprising cadmium, tin, and oxygen. Concentrated electromagnetic energy is directed from an energy source to at least one portion of the layer to locally heat the at least a portion of the layer. The layer is crystallized to a cadmium-tin oxide ceramic. A photovoltaic cell having the laser crystallized cadmium-tin oxide ceramic and a composition of matter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a reduced conductive area in transparent conductive. The method includes providing a transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material. A reducing atmosphere is provided and concentrated electromagnetic energy from an energy source is directed toward a portion of the transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material to form a reduced conductive area. The reduced conductive area has greater electrical conductivity than the transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material. A thin film article and photovoltaic module are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method of servicing, and a method of measuring a process parameter for a coating process having an isolatable viewport are disclosed. The apparatus includes a viewport, a device positioned for selectively isolating the viewport from a process chamber, and a second chamber positioned between the viewport and the device. The device includes a first position to selectively isolate the viewport from a process chamber and to selectively maintain a predetermined process pressure in the process chamber, the device includes a second position to selectively permit line of sight measurement of the process chamber from the viewport, and the second chamber maintains the predetermined process pressure in the process chamber when the device is in the second position.

Abstract: A method for selectively depositing a thin film structure on a substrate. The method includes providing a process gas to a surface of the substrate and directing concentrated electromagnetic energy from a source of energy to at least a portion of the surface. The process gas is decomposed onto the substrate to form a selectively deposited thin film structure. A thin film device and apparatus for forming a selectively deposited thin film structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A layer including modified cadmium telluride and unmodified cadmium telluride disposed within the cadmium telluride layer. The modified area includes a concentration of telluride that is greater than the concentration of telluride in the unmodified cadmium telluride area. The modified area also includes a hexagonal close packed crystal structure. A method for modifying a cadmium telluride layer and a thin film device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying an article to increase resistance to crack propagation are disclosed. The method includes providing a system, positioning one or more lasers, and directing a predetermined energy to a topographical feature on a surface of an article.