Patents by Inventor Erik Sean Smith

Erik Sean Smith 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).

  • Crystallization annealing processes for production of CIGS and CZTS thin-films
    Patent number: 9064700
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes depositing a chalcogenide precursor layer onto a substrate, and annealing the precursor layer in the presence of a gaseous phase comprising volatile species, the partial pressure of each volatile species being approximately constant over substantially all of the surface of the precursor layer, the partial pressure of each species being between approximately 0.1 mTorr and 760 Torr, where the presence of the gaseous phase reduces decomposition of volatile species from the precursor layer during annealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ZETTA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LLC - AQT SERIES
    Inventors: Kaichiu Wong, Erik Sean Smith, Christ Willie Ford
  • Crystallization Annealing Processes for Production of CIGS and CZTS Thin-Films
    Publication number: 20130217177
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes depositing a chalcogenide precursor layer onto a substrate, and annealing the precursor layer in the presence of a gaseous phase comprising volatile species, the partial pressure of each volatile species being approximately constant over substantially all of the surface of the precursor layer, the partial pressure of each species being between approximately 0.1 mTorr and 760 Torr, where the presence of the gaseous phase reduces decomposition of volatile species from the precursor layer during annealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: AQT SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Kaichiu Wong, Erik Sean Smith, Christ Willie Ford