Abstract: Solar cells having high efficiency and high specific power are prepared in an "upside-down" process by depositing a lattice mismatch transition zone of ZnS.sub.x Se.sub.x and Cd.sub.y Zn.sub.1-y S.sub.z Se.sub.1-z on a CLEFT, double-heterostructure, single crystal, Ga.sub.a Al.sub.1-a As/GaAs thin film followed by deposition of a CuInSe.sub.2 thin film on the transition zone.

Abstract: Tandem solar cells combine the energy-absorbing efficiencies of 1.7 eV CdSe/ZnTe heterojunctions with 1.0 eV I-III-VI.sub.2 /II-VI heterojunctions in mechanically-stacked or monolithic cells. Lightweight, efficient tandem cells that are particularly suited to space applications due to their radiation hardness are constructed by judicious selection of the substrate, superstrate and semiconductor materials.

Abstract: An improved light transducer such as a solar cell and, especially, a concentrator solar cell, together with processes for forming the same which permit the formation of improved light transducers characterized by their high thermal stability and by optimized impurity atom dispersion zones at the surface of either a p-type or an n-type substrate--such, for example, as a silicon substrate--defining: (i) a thermally stable deep junction with relatively high surface concentrations of dopant dispersed in those areas where metallic electrodes are to be formed, thus providing excellent ohmic contact characteristics in such areas; and (ii), an efficient energy conversion shallow junction with relatively lower surface concentrations of dopant in the inter-electrode photoactive regions of the cell, with such inter-electrode photoactive regions preferably being texturized, thereby optimizing current generation per unit of incident radiation and minimizing reflection losses.

Abstract: An improved light transducer such as a solar cell and, especially, a concentrator solar cell, together with processes for forming the same which permit the formation of light transducers characterized by their improved efficiency, especially, at concentration ratios on the order of 100 Suns and greater; and, more particularly, an improved process for forming concentrator solar cell electrodes, and improved concentrator solar cells produced thereby, characterized in that the electrodes comprise a multiplicity of closely spaced, fine-line--i.e., preferably on the order of less than about 1.0 mils in width--electroplated electrodes which are on the order of at least as thick as they are wide and, preferably which are at least 0.7 mils in thickness yet, which are characterized by their relatively sharp, vertical edge profiles and which are essentially devoid of lateral "spread" of the electroplated electrode materials.