Abstract: The specification discloses a photovoltaic device comprising a transparent, electrically insulating substrate, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements using thin-layer technology, disposed as a stack on the substrate, these photoelectric conversion elements comprising a layer of material forming an opaque electrode traversed by cuts or openings, the latter advantageously exhibiting a groove shape which is elongate in a transverse direction of the cell and forming between them bands of material which are favorably oriented in the direction of the photogenerated current lines. A reinforced insulation of the cuts by a protective shoulder between layers may be provided. The invention permits partial-transparency solar cells or modules to be obtained.

Abstract: Panel structure suitable for forming a photovoltaic device, comprising an electrically insulating transparent support substrate; photosensitive elements constituted by thin layers stacked on a first face of the said substrate and comprising an opaque electrically conducting layer, openings being formed through this opaque layer in order to allow a portion of the light received by the structure to traverse the said photosensitive elements; an electrically insulating transparent potting layer covering the same photoactive conversion elements; and, over the top, a protecting plate. This plate may be curved. In this case, the potting layer will be constituted by an adhesive sheet.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at improving the spectral response of a photoconductive structure intended to receive a luminous radiation and comprising a substrate (3), an electrically conductive transparent layer (5), a photoelectric conversion semiconductive layer (7) in which is incorporated at least one complementary semiconductive sublayer (13a, 13b, 13c) which has an optical absorption threshold and an electrical charge diffusion length which are lower than those of the materials constituting the photoelectric conversion layer, According to the invention, the complementary sublayers (13a, 13b, 13c, etc.) are incorporated in the immediate neighborhood of several of the regions where the square of the optical electrical field of the stationary waves produced by the combination of the incident and reflected luminous radiations is at a maximum. The invention applies in particular to the manufacture of solar cells and other photoreceptive structures.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing thin film materials in a plasma deposit process. An enclosure is provided including a plasma zone. The apparatus removes non-deposited, residual gaseous reagents from the enclosure after heating the plasma zone for a predetermined time. An airtight chamber surrounds the enclosure and is kept at a pressure lower than the pressure within the enclosure. A screen is provided for directing heat to the enclosure, while maintaining the chamber walls at a lower temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, metal bellows are provided to apply a substrate support plate against a side wall of the enclosure sealing the substrate support with one of the side walls of the enclosure.

Abstract: A device has a low-pressure tank placed inside an airtight chamber for plasma-depositing onto at least two substrata spaced apart in a substantial parallel relationship in the tank thin films. To effect the decomposition of the gas reagent inside the tank, at least one perforated polarized plasma generating electrode is interposed between the substrate. The airtight chamber has a pressure lower than that of the tank.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical signal generator system and its applications. According to the invention, the signal generator system includes at least one electric current generator of the photovoltaic cell type and an impulse generator fed by the cell, and delivering a signal which is a function of the electrical energy delivered by the cell. The invention is applicable in particular to driving a step-by-step motor or to feeding a light integrator.

Abstract: Thin-layered conductive or semi-conductive electric circuits are made on a thin conductive or semi-conductive layer that was previously deposited on an electric insulating substrate. The electric circuits are produced by attacking with an electro-erosion tool the thin layer so as to form insulated paths thereon.