Patents by Inventor Brian R. Tull

Brian R. Tull has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8895839
    Abstract: Photovoltaic devices (e.g., solar cells) are disclosed that include at least three radiation absorbing layers, each capable of absorbing radiation over a different wavelength range of the solar radiation spectrum. Any two of these three wavelength ranges can be partially overlapping, or alternatively they can be distinct. The layers are disposed relative to one another so as to form two junctions, each of which includes a depletion region. In some cases, the radiation absorbing layers can collectively absorb radiation over a wavelength range that spans at least about 60%, or 70%, or 80%, and preferably 90% of the solar radiation wavelength spectrum. By way of example, in some embodiments, one layer can exhibit significant absorption of solar radiation (e.g., it can absorb at least one radiation wavelength at an absorptance greater than about 90%) at wavelengths less than about 0.7 microns while another layer can exhibit significant absorption of the solar radiation at wavelengths in a range of about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: President And Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Eric Mazur, Mark Winkler, Brian R. Tull