Abstract: Energy conversion devices and methods for altering transport of reaction species therein include use of a dielectrically graded structure (e.g., region, layer). For example, in photon energy conversion devices (e.g., solar cells) or in chemical energy conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells) one or more non-electric structures which provide a gradient in dielectric constant are positioned within the cell to alter the direction and/or rate of transport of a photo-generated or chemical reaction-generated species.

Abstract: Spectral modification devices and methods are described. For example, an apparatus for spectral modification of incident radiation includes a substrate and Raman shifting material embedded in or on the substrate, the Raman shifting material selected based on a desired optical or electrical performance of a light absorbing structure.

Abstract: Spectral modification devices and methods are described. For example, an apparatus for spectral modification of incident radiation includes a substrate and Raman shifting material embedded in or on the substrate, the Raman shifting material selected based on a desired optical or electrical performance of a light absorbing structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for efficiently transporting and using incident radiation falling on photosensitive devices and structures supporting photosensitive devices. For example, an apparatus includes a low-absorption medium capable of passing and absorbing incident radiation; a scattering material disposed over at least a portion of or within the low-absorption material, the scattering material permitting a portion of incident light to pass therethrough; and a reflective surface disposed adjacent to the low-absorption medium to reflect radiation towards or within the medium.

Abstract: Energy conversion devices and methods for altering transport of reaction species therein include use of a dielectrically graded structure (e.g., region, layer). For example, in photon energy conversion devices (e.g., solar cells) or in chemical energy conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells) one or more non-electric structures which provide a gradient in dielectric constant are positioned within the cell to alter the direction and/or rate of transport of a photo-generated or chemical reaction-generated species.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic solar cell and method for producing same for conversion of light into electric power using a composite film having micron sized down to nanometer sized particles sufficiently sized for precise light scattering. A matrix material is further provided having a substantially different refractive index to provide a refractive index contrast for light scattering.

Abstract: Structured materials for photonic devices, at wavelengths of X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared and microwave radiation, can be made using layer growth techniques. Such a structure can be made layer by layer, by homogeneous deposition followed by localized modification for refractive index differentiation. Alternatively, the structure can be made by simultaneous growth of regions whose refractive index differs. The structures can be used as selective bandpass filters, and in photovoltaic solar cells, for example.

Abstract: A textured layer of tin oxide on a vitreous substrate in which the thickness and degree of texture of the layer can be controlled independently of one another. The tin oxide fabricated by a process comprising steps of depositing a first film of tin oxide on the substrate by chemical vapor deposition from a first reactant mixture of tin chloride, water, and an alcohol and depositing a second film of tin oxide on the first tin oxide film by chemical vapor deposition from a second reactant mixture of tin chloride and water. Where the substrate is ordinary soda lime glass, it preferably is first coated with a film of silicon dioxide. The process permits deposition of substantially uniform layers of tin oxide in a continuous deposition process.

Abstract: A method of forming a textured layer of tin oxide on a vitreous substrate in which the thickness and degree of texture of the layer can be controlled independently of one another. The method comprises the steps of depositing a first film of tin oxide on the substrate by chemical vapor deposition from a first reactant mixture of tin chloride, water, and an alcohol and depositing a second film of tin oxide on the first tin oxide film by chemical vapor deposition from a second reactant mixture of tin chloride and water. Where the substrate is ordinary soda lime glass, it preferably is first coated with a film of silicon dioxide. The method permits deposition of substantially uniform layers of tin oxide in a continuous deposition process.