Abstract: A passivation layer is deposited on a first portion of a region of the solar cell. A grid line is deposited on a second portion of the region. The passivation layer is annealed to drive chemical species from the passivation layer to deactivate an electrical activity of a dopant in the first portion of the region of the solar cell.

Abstract: A passivation layer is deposited on a first portion of a region of the solar cell. A grid line is deposited on a second portion of the region. The passivation layer is annealed to drive chemical species from the passivation layer to deactivate an electrical activity of a dopant in the first portion of the region of the solar cell.

Abstract: A seed layer structure is annealed. The seed layer structure comprises a crystallization catalyst material on a seed semiconductor over a substrate. The seed semiconductor comprises an amorphous portion. Annealing of the seed layer structure converts the amorphous portion into a crystalline portion. The crystalline portion is connected to the substrate by subsurface crystal legs. The crystallization catalyst material formed underneath the crystalline portion by annealing is removed from the underneath of the crystalline portion.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method that includes: depositing, in a deposition environment, an amorphous semiconductor material on a substrate to form a semiconductor film on the substrate; filling, in the depositing process, the deposition environment with a first precursor material such that the semiconductor film formed on the substrate includes a first layer having a first material characteristic; filling, in the depositing process, the deposition environment with a crystallization-stop precursor material such that the silicon film includes a crystallization-stop layer having a crystallization characteristic different from a crystallization characteristic of the first layer; depositing a metal film on the semiconductor film; and annealing the semiconductor film and the metal film at an predetermined annealing temperature for a predetermined period of time such that the first layer is at least partially crystallized and the crystallization-stop layer is at least partially amo

Abstract: A seed layer structure is annealed. The seed layer structure comprises a crystallization catalyst material on a seed semiconductor over a substrate. The seed semiconductor comprises an amorphous portion. Annealing of the seed layer structure converts the amorphous portion into a crystalline portion. The crystalline portion is connected to the substrate by subsurface crystal legs. The crystallization catalyst material formed underneath the crystalline portion by annealing is removed from the underneath of the crystalline portion.

Abstract: In one aspect, crystallization of multiple layers of amorphous materials is disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple layers of amorphous materials such as amorphous silicon, silicon carbide, and/or germanium are deposited using deposition methods such as PECVD or sputtering. A layer of metal such as aluminum is deposited on the surface of the deposited amorphous materials using sputtering or evaporation, and the structure is annealed in a hydrogen environment. The structure is contained on a semiconductor substrate, glass, a flexible metal/organic film, or other type of substrate.

Abstract: A microneedle insertable in a target cell tissue, including a manipulative end maintained exterior of cell tissue and an insertion end positionable in or adjacent of target cell tissue. A plurality of microtubes are bundled to pass through the needle body and extend to respective distal ends grouped proximally interior of the insertion end. A sensing fiber is extendable from means for sensing for passage through the needle body to a distal end capable of sensing cell tissue parameters. The insertion end and the bundled microtube and sensing fiber distal ends are positionable in or adjacent of cell tissue thereby providing rapid evaluation of cell parameters by optic fiber sensing, fiber sampling of cell parameters, and precise delivery of therapeutic fluids or additional treatment measures. A method is also disclosed of precisely positioning a microneedle having a plurality of microtubes and sensing fibers therein for evaluating and treating cell tissue.

Abstract: A trimming and edging attachment for all types of riding mowers and garden tractors used for residential and commercial needs. The attachment consist of a mounting plate to mount to the front of the mower with three sections of arms extending outward to the left of said mower and just ahead of the left front wheel. The trim head is powered from an engage mechanism with a drive belt off of the main shaft of the mower motor. The power of the pneumatic cylinders that operate the up and down motion of the arms comes from a twelve volt dc motor and pump combination. This pump is an on demand pump and only operates when some type of adjustment or movement is needed. This unit does not depend on the mowing deck to be in operation while using the trim and edge attachment.